For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Many nights our kids will ask my husband or I to share a little boy or little girl story of what it was like for us growing up. Sometimes I don’t always have one that comes to mind so I’ll tell them a story when they were a baby. Stories should be entertaining, but good ones teach a lesson. Jesus taught and told stories throughout His time on earth. He wanted to create connections for us from His story to ours. Scholars call them parables – a story with a lesson. Our lives tell a story and sometimes carry lessons for others to hear. When was the last time you heard a story from your mom or dad? Have you asked them for one lately? When was the last time you heard a good story? Last Sunday, we were challenged to write down our story. Here is the start of my story.
My story starts in a small town on a farm. I am one of five girls and I have a younger brother and an older brother who passed away before I was born. Although his story was short it holds significance to my story. I believe (whether I am correct or not) that being the fifth girl is significant. I am the baby girl and my brother was born 3 years later. If my brother was born 3 years before me, I am not sure I would have been born. God wanted me to be a part of my family. He has a purpose for this fifth little girl. This grown up little girl who loves to hear stories, create stories and live out a good story.
Ever since I was young I had a keen awareness of self. I had confidence in who I was, yet wanted to be different from my sisters. Maybe too much confidence. I loved to talk and would sometimes be caught talking to trees. I would interview them. (I think I watched too many episodes of Donahue with my mom.) I loved to observe people and at a young age I remember wanting to listen in on adult conversations. I loved the stories they would tell and how they would tell them.
Growing up in a conservative rural town, I learned the values of hard work, being resourceful and loving your neighbor. My parents always opened our home to friends and family. When the doors of the church were open, we were there. When they closed, the doors of our home would be open. Life was simple and yet whole. Life was competitive and complete. There was never a shortage of food, but at every meal food was fought over for the very last piece. My uncle said eating pizza at our house was better because you had to fight for it.
Even though I am a big city girl now and married outside my culture, my roots are strong. My passion is to always have an open heart and home. One where people feel welcomed with a good cup of coffee and the comfort of food and fellowship. Tasting, talking and taking in the goodness of life.
My story is not yet complete, but I know the author of my story and I would love to introduce Him to you. He is the creator of the universe and the creator of this fifth little girl who grew up to be a mom. He has helped me write many newsletters, blogs, fundraising letters, proposals and radio ads. He has been my help as a student at the university and as a teacher of English in China. He has helped me manage people and projects. He has taught me ways to teach little children about Jesus and lead bible studies. The best part of my story is that Jesus has redeemed it and God has led me all the way. His Spirit guides, counsels and directs my steps. Currently, He has led me to pursue a certification in life coaching in order to help others walk out their own stories with greater clarity, purpose and confidence. The one who is authoring my story can author yours. He is the best life coach and author you will find. He can redeem any story and has the best ending for us all.
Life Story & Lessons
His story and your story can connect.
Email me to receive a free discovery life coaching session. I would love to hear your story.