It’s More Than a Story (Hope and Healing in the Telling)
In the telling, we become what God created us to be—women of freedom, of hope, pointing others to him.
~Jo Ann Fore, When a Woman Finds Her Voice
I remember the first time I shared my story with strangers. It was frightening and empowering, easy and difficult, exhausting and exhilarating, confusing and cleansing. At first I didn’t know what to say and then I couldn’t turn off the words that bubbled up from the deep recesses of my heart.
The telling brought clarity and a purpose to my struggles. Sharing exposed windows of perspective where before only walls stood.
With each word, more of the big picture came into focus; a picture of God and His creation. Infinite scenes (stories) made up the whole of the picture. My story was but one of many, but important to the whole.
All our stories blend together in a grand display of God’s nature.
All our stories blend together in a grand display of God's nature. Click To Tweet
God’s Story
Because, really it isn’t our story at all, it’s God’s. The important points of our tale aren’t what we’ve done to overcome or power through, but what the Lord has done to redeem and transform.
In her newly released book, When a Woman Finds Her Voice, author Jo Ann Fore writes, “Ultimately, it isn’t about our story—it is about the Author of our story, the One who brings hope and joy, as well as peace and healing into any heartache. Our brokenness merely creates opportunity for those who hear the story to meet the One behind it all.”
When we look at our suffering in light of a bigger story, a picture of the Lord’s faithfulness, it changes the entire perspective.
- We no longer remain victims, but important tools in God’s loving hands.
- Our circumstances no longer remain tragedies, but are transformed into integral elements of a much larger masterpiece.
- Our struggles no longer remain sad occurrences in the life of sinners, but opportunities to shine the light on the One who offers hope and promise to those sinners.
I still find it difficult to accept that my experiences might matter to others. I still struggle with understanding how my words can have meaning to those enduring an abusive marriage or burying a precious child. It still is bewildering to me how my meager writings and utterances can help those wracked with unending pain or living a life of loneliness.
But I’ve seen the power of God’s story as revealed in each of our lives.
Importance of Sharing
Through the sharing, I’ve found a deeper contentment with my circumstances and a more passionate relationship with my God. Through my words, God has worked transformation in my heart.
No longer a self-centered, strong-willed woman intent on making my own happiness, I’m now a self-centered, strong-willed woman intent on finding joy in the Lord.
I’m learning to bow daily to His will.
And as healing comes to my heart, it can be poured out to others.
As healing comes to your heart, it can be poured out to others. Click To Tweet
My prayer in telling my story is that
- by walking along with me, others can develop a deeper understanding of the worth of each of God’s children.
- by hearing of the hope I cling to, others can be encouraged in God’s promises and find strength and healing.
- by sharing in my journey of faith, others can see the faithfulness of God.
Jo Ann said it so well: “We have been given the unique privilege of recycling our pain, of encouraging others to lift their eyes to a greater purpose.”
So I challenge you to begin recycling your pain. Start sharing the God-story in your life, and experience His healing—His transformation and redemption.
Through your courageous steps of sharing, you will find purpose in, and strength for, your struggles. But moreover, you will be encouraging others to also lift their eyes to the Author and Editor of life and discover His hope and peace.
Start sharing the God-story in your life, and experience His healing; but moreover, help others discover His hope and peace. Click To Tweet
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Reflections: What God-story is being written in your life? Have you shared it with others? Does it help to look at your suffering in light of a bigger picture?
This is one of many stories on hope, healing, and finding our voice posted and linked up today on Jo Ann Fore’s blog. They are written by bloggers incredibly excited about Jo Ann’s new book, When A Woman Finds Her Voice: Overcoming Life’s Hurts & Using Your Story to Make a Difference. This week’s topic is on the Importance of Speaking Up.
And an exciting announcement: When A Woman Finds Her Voice has been released!
To purchase Jo Ann’s book, click HERE.
Also, don’t miss the online Bible Study, which begins November 18. It’s free and flexible! Register here.
By His grace ≈
Julie
Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
Every time I come to your blog, I know I’m going to find such awesome nuggets presented to me by your teacher-heart that so longs to pour truth right into me. Thank you for this, thank you for being you.
Thank you, Jo Ann, for encouraging my fearful heart to continue speaking out in obedience.
Julie your story is beautiful, I always appreciate you sharing your heart and what God is doing in and through you.
It is a joy and honor to do so.
LOVE your voice Julie. You encourage and inspire!
Thank you, Shanyn.
Powerful Voice this One. Thank you so much for lifting it.
To God be the glory!
I love the idea of recycling our story, our pain. You have a wonderful voice and I’m so glad to come here and read about your freedom and how you allow God to work. Beautiful Julie!!
It’s in the recycling where we find release, purpose, and ultimately, freedom. I’m so glad you came over, too, Sarah!