At Granger Community Church it's a common practice for us to hear stories from people who've experienced the wonder of God's grace in their lives. Sometimes the stories reflect tremendous confidence and a complete 180 in lifestyle. And, sometimes the stories are obviously still filled with angst, struggle, even a bit of confusion. But, always with hope in a God who says they matter.
I talk to a lot of these folks prior to their stories going public. I'm moved. I'm encouraged. I'm reminded why I do what I do, what I'm called to in the work of God's kingdom through the local church. It's nothing short of amazing.
But, as I've been thinking about my family and my staff team... about my own life, I'm wondering this. What if I told my story? What if my daughter told her story? What if my staff team told their story? I'm certain each story would contrast a lifestyle of confusion and selfishness with a turn toward trust in God and a focus on others. What would my story sound like? What does it sound like?
- Does my story stop with that contrast from earlier days of "conversion"?
- Does my story include more recent experiences of doubt, wrestling and connecting with God? You know, the real stuff of working out my faith?
- Does my story involve fresh experiences that demonstrate how much others matter to me?
- Does my story celebrate more recent transformations in my thinking, my world view, my attitude, and my relationships?
- Does my story inspire others to lean into God in their storyline?
- Does my story suggest that I'm still growing?
Of course, the point isn't about comparing my story with anyone else's story. It's my story. However...
- My fear is that I get so wrapped up in the work of other's journeys that I don't tend to my own storyline.
- My fear is that I get so focused on the task, the details of my work (my "ministry"), that I fail to connect with God in the areas He wants me focused on.
- My fear is that I get so myopically centered around the current hang-up, issue or crisis in my life, that I miss the fact that my story isn't just my story. I forget that my story is best understood inside God's grand kingdom story.
What if the next story the people of GCC heard was my story? What if the next story your friends, your family, your church heard was yours?
It's worth telling, whatever it is. It's your story. The only one you have.
Pick up the pen today. Today matters. You matter. Go ahead, tell your story.
Check out this story and more from GCC - here. Or check out these "postcard stories" from our people - here.
