I have said many times, “I come from a family of storytellers.” Several weeks ago, the Best Family, my mother’s side of the family, gathered for our reunion of storytellers. The rich legacy of how people survived & thrived through difficult times. These are phenomenal stories of love wrapped in laughter. Through it all they found joy. My mother’s phrase describes it best, “We didn’t have much, but we had each other.” What she and many others had was love for family and the Lord. Love was revealed through the challenging times.

 My dad’s side of the family, hardworking & good people, seldom told stories. The wooden shoe in the picture was my great-grandfather’s, James Johnson, who came to this country in 1892 from Denmark. I treasure this shoe, but I am saddened, for I know that this shoe represents the many incredible stories that have been forever lost.

Stories have power. The Old Testament is a series of connected short stories that illustrate God’s Everlasting, Redeeming Love. The story of Noah’s obedience for 120 years to build a huge boat when he had no idea what was about to happen. Or Abraham’s obedience to leave everything behind with no idea where God would take him or how…He just obeyed. There was Nehemiah, a cupbearer for the king that God called & equipped to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The stories of Moses, Jonah, Daniel, Elijah, David, Job, and so many other ordinary & blemished people that faced many unknowns, defeats, victories & impossible situations. They are stories of people, their struggles that reveals love through a relationship with our Creator, Father God.

Jesus used stories to connect His “Life-Giving” Words to people’s heart. When I experienced cancer 30 years ago, the Holy Spirit used the story from Matthew 14:22-36 to speak encouragement to my heart. Peter & the Disciples found themselves in a life-ending storm when they saw Jesus walking by on the water. “But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” From this story I knew in my heart I had 1 (ONE) assignment, keep my eyes on Jesus, No-Matter-What! I knew I had no authority over how this story would play out…I knew I might die. Then God Blessed me with His whisper as they were rolling me into surgery that Thursday afternoon. He whispered, “You are going home.” The Peace I had of knowing when I wake up I would either be going home to North Little Rock, my temporary home, or my Forever Home with Jesus…I was going home…The Master held me in the palm of His Hand (John 10:28).

As I think about the unique differences from my parents, I sense that my dad’s side of the family may have been concerned about not being braggadocios or boastful. Which is wonderful, but when we give credit to the author of our stories, “Jehovah-Jireh,” (The Lord Our Provider), Our Father receives the Glory. From 1 Corinthians 1:28 we learn, “God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

God is “The Author” of our life.” God gives everyone stories to be used to present His Love, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They were given to be shared not tucked away and lost. This is why when I sing “This Is My Story…This Is My Song…Praising My Jesus All the Day Long…” tears come to my eyes. He has done so much! Isn’t it time you shared the Joy & Hope that only Jesus can provide?