A couple of weeks ago I was looking in the display at a
restaurant at what looked like a scrumptious gluten free blueberry muffin. Of course I knew I wasn’t going to buy
it, one because it’s still laden with sugar whether it’s gluten free or not,
and two, because like most baked goods, it probably had been made with eggs, my
biggest allergen. But,
nonetheless, I asked the girl behind the counter about the muffin. She said they were amazing but, yes,
had eggs and sugar.
Within ten minutes she went from telling me about the gluten free muffin to going Paleo to doing Crossfit to sharing her journey of addiction to alcohol, meth, and food…her son’s health issues involving ADD and ADHD, and how difficult it is to be a single mom, not totally healed of her addictions and how angry she is at God about it.
I listened. I shared a little bit of my story of disappointment with God and losing a son and my addiction to food, how there is no such thing as a secret, that God's a Big Boy and can handle her anger, and that He’s totally and completely in love with her no matter where she is on her journey. We exchanged names and I told her I would be praying for her and her son. And I’ve done so, because just saying it doesn’t mean squat.
As I headed next door to meet my husband and some friends, I felt like an hour had passed learning all that I had. I hadn't wanted to be rude to keep everyone waiting...
10 minutes.
Only 10 minutes had passed and as I relayed some of the information I gained from hearing this woman’s heart, my husband’s buddy just looked at me…and then he looked at Jason. And he said, “You were over there 10 minutes and you found out all of that?” “Yep. Everywhere we go. She can find out your whole life story in 10 minutes. It’s crazy,” Jason said. “Teach me,” said his friend. Jason told him it was a gift.
I think he’s wrong. Respectfully saying so, mind you.
It’s not a gift.
I just think everyone is worth knowing. Everyone.
I believe we all have a story and our stories are important. Even more so, our stories are meant to be told. Little by little, sharing along the way, telling bits of the story to those ready to listen, and listening to those who are ready to share.
Our stories are never complete. They don’t have “choose your own ending” and aren’t meant to be compared to the next person’s. Our stories are on-going, ever-changing and still unfolding. If we wait for them to reach a place of “peace” or “stillness” or “happily ever after” in order to share, we’ll have missed out on the point...
We are here on this earth for God’s glory. He gets the glory when we live out the story He has written for us, all the while sharing it with others. We were designed to share. Not if we feel comfortable with the task or not, but because in sharing others get to find healing, too.
In my opinion, we need to stop talking and start sharing.
Are you ready to start sharing your story?
Within ten minutes she went from telling me about the gluten free muffin to going Paleo to doing Crossfit to sharing her journey of addiction to alcohol, meth, and food…her son’s health issues involving ADD and ADHD, and how difficult it is to be a single mom, not totally healed of her addictions and how angry she is at God about it.
I listened. I shared a little bit of my story of disappointment with God and losing a son and my addiction to food, how there is no such thing as a secret, that God's a Big Boy and can handle her anger, and that He’s totally and completely in love with her no matter where she is on her journey. We exchanged names and I told her I would be praying for her and her son. And I’ve done so, because just saying it doesn’t mean squat.
As I headed next door to meet my husband and some friends, I felt like an hour had passed learning all that I had. I hadn't wanted to be rude to keep everyone waiting...
10 minutes.
Only 10 minutes had passed and as I relayed some of the information I gained from hearing this woman’s heart, my husband’s buddy just looked at me…and then he looked at Jason. And he said, “You were over there 10 minutes and you found out all of that?” “Yep. Everywhere we go. She can find out your whole life story in 10 minutes. It’s crazy,” Jason said. “Teach me,” said his friend. Jason told him it was a gift.
I think he’s wrong. Respectfully saying so, mind you.
It’s not a gift.
I just think everyone is worth knowing. Everyone.
I believe we all have a story and our stories are important. Even more so, our stories are meant to be told. Little by little, sharing along the way, telling bits of the story to those ready to listen, and listening to those who are ready to share.
Our stories are never complete. They don’t have “choose your own ending” and aren’t meant to be compared to the next person’s. Our stories are on-going, ever-changing and still unfolding. If we wait for them to reach a place of “peace” or “stillness” or “happily ever after” in order to share, we’ll have missed out on the point...
We are here on this earth for God’s glory. He gets the glory when we live out the story He has written for us, all the while sharing it with others. We were designed to share. Not if we feel comfortable with the task or not, but because in sharing others get to find healing, too.
In my opinion, we need to stop talking and start sharing.
Are you ready to start sharing your story?
Hi Angel Noah
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jenna and I came across your site. You are such a precious, special handsome angel. You were here on earth for only a short time, but you made an impact on the lives of your parents, your sister, and your friends. You have also made an impact on my life. Your story makes me want to keep fighting my battle and not give up just like you. You didn't give up, your body just got tired and god thought it would be best to bring you home. You are a hero forever Noah, and you are my hero forever. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/champ291