Go:
There is a story being written, built on ordinary every day moments. The ones that seem insignificant and mundane, woven together into a tapestry of life lived. How will your story read? Will it be a legacy of love, sprinkled with grace and humor? Or will it be dramatic, full of big moments and world-changing? Maybe it will be a thrilling ride of unexpected adventure and beautiful moments.
As writers, we tell our stories because we have to, getting the words on paper or screen because holding them inside is the worst kind of pain. I’m often asked by women who don’t blog how I find the courage to share so easily online, to invite people into my story and my life. I struggle to answer it because it just seems so – normal – to me. I do it because I love it, and I do it because I think there is power in sharing story, and I do it because I would write it out even if I no longer had a blog. I write imperfectly and without an editor. I write regardless of numbers because I didn’t fall in love with words as a child because of platforms – I fell in love with the power of story.
As God, the Author of it all, puts the chapters together and reveals pieces of the story to my heart, I share. I write to remember, to honor, to teach, to encourage. And maybe you don’t blog but you share in other ways. Through dance, worship, art, cooking, photography – when we use the talents God has given us to reach across into the lives of others and up to worship God, we are storytellers leaving a legacy of life – the ordinary mixed with the extraordinary.
Stop.
I’m linking up with Lisa-Jo and the Five Minute Friday gals today. But I’d also love to invite you to register for (in)RL if you haven’t yet. Even if you’re not going to join other ladies for a Meetup, register for free and watch from home? Two keynotes, two days, an abundance of encouragement through story.Β
Yes! I love this- thank you for sharing your words! π stopping over from FMF, it’s my first time “linking up” (lol didn’t even know what/how to do so until a day ago!) but like you said… “I didn’t fall in love with words as a child because of a platform… I fell in love with the power of story.” I’m right there with ya girl! Loved this!
Ps- I believe you may have been a speaker at a conference in my hometown a few weekends ago… Raising generations? I was all set and so excited to go, but unfortunately was diagnosed with mono a few days before… I am sorry to have missed you! At least, I can trust my Savior with even this part of my story and glad I could connect with ya through this FMF. Community! Blessings!
Oh I’m so sorry I didn’t get to meet you! But praying you were able to rest & recover π
“As God, the Author of it all, puts the chapters together and reveals pieces of the story to my heart, I share.” Yes! I love this part!
You have a wonderful way with words. You are indeed a gifted storyteller. I think one of my favorite lines is your opening: There is a story being written, built on ordinary every day moments. The ones that seem insignificant and mundane, woven together into a tapestry of life lived. How will your story read?
I am so glad that I discovered your words, your story, your blog through Five Minute Friday.
Your words are encouraging and breathe life into the stories of others. Thank you for sharing yourself and your words. Beautiful!
I love this, Crystal: “As writers, we tell our stories because we have to, getting the words on
paper or screen because holding them inside is the worst kind of pain.” Yes, YES! I know this well. Thank you for this reminder that writing is as much a part of me as breathing and that the reason I need to keep sharing is not for a platform or numbers, but for the love of story.
ps your avatar makes me SO happy π
I love the Maya Angelou quote that you included! And I definitely agree that there is power in telling your story — I’m reflecting on the same thing from FMF.
Isn’t that such a fun quote? I don’t have a clue what to do with my Good Reads account, but it’s super useful for blog post quotes!
Oh, friend, we were on the same page today. Because there are many ways to write the stories that God has given us…we write when we share, when we speak, when we sing, when we act. So grateful to have a place to tell the stories, but again I’d tell them even if there was no such thing as blogging!
We just can’t help ourselves, can we? π
stopping by from FMF – so neat how God can speak to each of us in such similar and different ways at the same time. So glad you are sharing your story…His story!
So glad you stopped by, Nickolee!
This. This is awesome and so encouraging to me. “I write regardless of numbers because I didn’t fall in love with words as a child because of platforms – I feel in love with the power of a story.” So much…yes. I needed that reminder. God gives us all our own special gift and He wants us to use them for Him. That’s what matters. Hopping over from FMF–and I’m so glad your post was one of the random ones I clicked on!
Ami, I’m so glad I was one of the random ones as well! So lovely to have you visit today π