TELLING OUR STORIES
So far in this series I wrote about how each of us has a story and even if there are similarities we have a unique perspective. I shared about fear, hope, believing, belonging, finding inspiration and comfort, and why we need to share. But how do we learn to share our stories?
How do you go about telling your story? What all does it entail? How much do you tell and when do you share it? I’m definitely not an expert, but I have some ideas. I believe there are many ways and possibilities.
The key is to be yourself – your true self. Don’t be afraid to share struggles.
That shows you are human. No one can do everything right all the time. We mess up, but the good thing is, we can learn from mistakes.
HOW DO WE LEARN?
Start right where you are. Think about your life. Be interested in what others say and do. Often in conversation you will think of something to share from your experience. It might be just what the other person needs to hear to see they are not alone and there is hope.
Another way to tell your story is through art, using a variety of mixed media. Other ways include poetry, fiction stories that mimic real life, or even through music.
As a child of God I want to remember that I am part of His story.
I need to pray, asking God for wisdom each day not only for my writing but for my life. This is an important part of my story, too.
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
We are all part of God’s bigger story. Always remember that you have a place. God has promised to be with us always. His love and grace are plentiful and will never run out.
This is Day 10 of Five Minute Friday 31 Days of Free Writes, and the prompt word is how.
To read the other posts in this series click on: 31 Days of Encouragement
Dear Gayl,
I have always appreciated how you share your life and your stories here. Your realness and love for Jesus, and love for others comes through so beautifully. And tonight your art journal page at the end was so special for me, that it brought tears to my eyes. I have always loved that hymn “He Giveth More Grace,” but then a few years ago I found out that the author had Rheumatoid Arthritis, and wrote many of her hymns when her hands were so gnarled and drawn up that she was only able to use the typewriter a small peck at a time. Seeing that hymn now, after my own RA flare this week just reminded me of God’s special love and care for us. Thank you dear friend. Love and hugs to you!
Dear Bettie,
If you were the only one who ever read my blog, it would be worth it. Knowing that you are blessed also blesses me. I almost didn’t use that page with the song, but I just knew I had to. I had no idea that the author of the song had RA. Wow, that makes the hymn even more special. No wonder it spoke to you so much.
Thank you so much for your prayers and your continued encouragement to me. I hope you have some relief soon from the RA flare up. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister! xoxo
“The bravest thing you’ll ever do is tell your story.”
Yes, Tara, I think you’re right. Blessings to you!
I love this Gayl. I miss sharing art with my online community. I have a severe block in that department hoping the creativity will flow again soon. Perhaps in a different way. Thank you for stopping by my place.
Having a block is always so frustrating. You know you want to share art and you just feel stuck. I will pray that you will find inspiration, Barbie and be able to share some art soon. 🙂 I really enjoy collage. It’s fun to cut out stuff and see what happens when I arrange them on a page. Maybe you could try that. At least it’s a start. 🙂 Blessings to you, dear Barbie! xo
hi gayl, i’m just starting to be able to get reading some of these posts. ron has been getting cataract surgery. yesterday was the first one and next wed. is the second one. i order to prepare, we start giving drops. then after, i must give him drops all during the day…and for 2 weeks after. i tried to write ahead so i would have some flexibility during this time. it has helped me a lot!
at any rate, i enjoyed this post:) as for Barbie, i have enjoyed the photos on unsplash. they are beautiful and free. when i put a search word in, i usually get quite a few photos to choose from. then i upload them into canva and play with them in a variety of ways. it doesn’t take a lot of talent or even a lot of skill. there are backgrounds, texts, etc. most are free, some are labeled with a price. I’ve gotten into a rhythm re what i do with my photos. you will probably do some things that are different. after awhile, i change things around. there are loads of templates there for printables as well as headers, etc. it’s a fun place to play as long as you make sure that what you are working with is free! i learned a lot from crystal stine awhile back when she did one of those seminars online.
Oh, Martha, I know what that’s like. My husband had his right eye done and next month he will be having his left eye. He is able to do his own drops, though, so I just have to provide the transportation. I’m glad you were able to write ahead some. I thought I’d get mine written the night before, but that has only happened once. I’m pretty late each day getting it out.
I’m glad you enjoyed my post. Good suggestions for using photos! I’m glad you are having fun playing around with them. I love working with photos, too.
Blessings to you!
Love your poem!! 🙂
Tammy, thanks so much! I need to get over to your site again. I do enjoy your poems, too. Blessings to you!
Love what you are sharing, Gayl. You are challenging all of us to be creative in the way we share our stories. Keep going.
Thanks, Karen. Your comment encourages me so much! Blessings to you! xo