On Monday I had the remarkable privilege of sharing a bit of my personal story on national Canadian TV. Live. No take-backs. No editing. Did I mention it was national?
Despite having been invited to share, there was still this small, doubting, mocking voice inside me asking, “why would anyone care? What’s so special about your story?”
Truly, there’s no reason that anyone should care, and my story is not any more special than yours. However, it is the story that God has written on the pages of this book of my life, and that alone makes it amazing. A miracle story. A redemption story. A beautiful thing, despite the lows and hard times. In it, I want to say “Look what He has done, despite me! It’s crazy and it’s full-on grace.”
It’s often stunning when we hear where others have come from. Stories that they own, and simply call normal. People we name as friends become miracles when we are given the privilege of seeing what their journey has included. In recent years, I’ve been amazed by friends simply sharing where they’ve come from and where they’re truly at. Perhaps they wouldn’t think that they were terribly remarkable, or even worth sharing.
But these stories of childhood abuse, horrifying accidents, bad marriages, bad choices, adventure, falling in love, finding home, discovering new opportunities – they remind me that we all are created in the image of God. From the most heart-breaking to the deeply heart-warming, our stories remind the world that we are remarkable image-bearers. Living, breathing, Masterpieces on this life-journey.
I remember watching my Mama as she embroidered a verse by Corrie Ten Boom:
My life is but a weaving between my God and me,
I do not choose the colors, He works so steadily,
Oft times He weaves in sorrow, and I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.
The irony of this was that my perspective and line of sight was the cut, frayed ends and uneven spacing and knots of the underside of the piece as I watched her. Our lives so often look very much like that, don’t they?
No matter how messy or how mundane, your story matters, because you matter, friend. It may not be broadcast on national TV, and you might be quite glad for that. But know this: You matter to God, and if you are still breathing, your story is still being written and your life has purpose in the world today.
Ellen
… And if you want to hear a bit more of my story…
Yes, each story does matter and I am thankful that God cares so much about each one of us. I am one who also thought that I mattered not to Him nor many others. Yet, He redeemed me and has loved me…still does. The quote from Corrie ten Boom makes me remember that I am still “Being Woven”…the title of my blog! So thankful I came by from Holley Gerth’s.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Hello Linda! I had fun visiting your blog – thank you for sharing your heart! I’m so glad that you have realized that you matter – especially to Him! Here’s to being in the Weaver’s hand!
Ellen, thank you for sharing your story with all of us. If we all shared our stories of our redemption and the weaving between God and ourselves, I imagine others would find hope for their own lives.
That quote from Corrie Ten Boom is wonderful.
Hello Lovella! That quote really is amazing – it has stayed stitched in my memory all these years! I agree – if we each shared our stories, we’d have such greater insight and share hope with those who need it right where they’re at.
Such a blessing and a pleasure to read your blog Ellen. You have such an inspiring attitude. Thank you.
Thank you, Alyssa! I’m so grateful for your encouragement! Truly!
Can’t wait to watch the video of your story! I’m here from Jennifer’s link up.
Hello Elizabeth! Thank you so much for coming by! So glad to be ‘linking up’ with you!
Thanks for sharing!
You are a success story…your life, your daughter, your husband, your company!
God has truly blessed you!
Thank you, Nicole! God has been so very, very good to us. So grateful!