In the Bible study Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed, Beth Moore recommends:
“Name several people God has used to make the biggest investments on the servant you are becoming in Christ. Beside each name, write a phrase describing what you’ve received most from that person.”
Let’s do it!
1. _____________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________
Beth continues,
“Now go back and draw a ‘+’ under each line to add it to the next. Then in the space under the last line, jot down several ways you are distinct from all of them. The sum total is a tiny glimpse of who you are.
“Your uniqueness as an earthen vessel of Christ in your generation will often result from having a couple of tablespoons of one person’s influence on you, a fourth of a cup of another’s, and a teaspoon of many….” (emphasis mine)
Wendy Welch passes on this wisdom she learned from Dan Keding:
“A personal story is not about you. It’s about all the people around you. If you are the hero of your own story, it’s not going to come out right, ring true, or be interesting enough to hold people’s attention.… Talk about what happened to other people first, and how you felt about that, what you did because of it.…
“[Dan] told us about growing up in Chicago with a Holocaust survivor friend named Stan. His story was about Stan, but when it was over, we all knew so much more about Dan.” (Me-me-me Memoirs; emphasis mine)
Think about this: Those people on your list did not just accidentally enter your life. God gave them a role to play in making you into the person you are today, and into the person you are becoming. Their story is part of your story.
Like Corrie Ten Boom said, “Every person [God] puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only he can see.”
Use today’s exercise (and review “Like a Sneak Attack”) to write your stories, thanking God for gifting you with those special individuals!
Pray, too, for God to use you and your memoir to serve as a holy tablespoon of influence—or even a fourth of a cup!—in your readers’ lives.
References and links:
Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed,
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/anointed-transformed-redeemed-a-study-of-david-member-book-P005159143
Wendy Welch, Me-me-me Memoirs,
Like a Sneak Attack,
Oh Linda, you always strike a chord with me! This is a perfect tool for avoiding the "me-me" memoir. I've already written stories about the key people in my life but I love how this exercise reinforces the influence others have in our lives. Indeed, we are the sum of all the dear family and friends who have touched our lives and shaped us by their presence. Such a beautiful thought to guide us in our writing. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Kathy
Hi, Kathy, this concept also echoes the Bible passages about all of being the Body of Christ, each a different part of the "body" but each one necessary.
DeleteI hope your memoir-writing project is coming right along and giving you joy!
Linda
How helpful. Anytime Corrie ten Boom and Beth Moore are mentioned in the same article, I'm captured. Two of my favorite people.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. I hadn't thought of it this way before. We are a result of the people in our lives.
Thank yo so much.
Hi, Janet, I was thinking about you today, having a little conversation with God about you. :)
DeleteI'm glad you pointed out the interesting combination--the power--of Corrie Ten Boom plus Beth Moore. Generations apart, but full of light and inspiration and mentoring for all of us.
Linda
I too appreciate this tool! A brand new concept for me and one I want to pass along. Looking forward to thanking the ladies in my life who have meant so much. Blessings to you, my precious new friend.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea, Jess, of even now thanking the people who have played important roles in our lives--Writing stories, yes, but thanking them in person even now. Lovely.
DeleteLinda
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Linda, you mix the parts of your blog like a rich dessert recipe, each author quoted and your own thoughts pulled together to make a delicious result! I love reading the wisdom and knowledge you share with us.
ReplyDeleteSherrey, thank you for your grace-filled words. My prayer, my heart's desire, is for God to help me write words and send messages that will encourage and help those who read this blog, and those who are writing their stories. Thanks for your blessings today, Sherrey.
DeleteLinda
Wow! I love this quote from Corrie. So very true. That's why we should look at others as "divine appointments" when they cross our paths. :)
ReplyDeleteDivine appointments. I like that Rhonda. Thanks for pointing that out. Yes, divine appointments. I need to remember that.
DeleteSmiles,
Linda