What is the story you tell of God? In Holy Week and Easter we hear the story of God with us through Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. In some of my e-devotions I have reflected on the power of both hearing those stories repeatedly and taking part in telling that story. As we move deeper into the Easter season, I wonder what story you tell of God with you? How do you explain your story of God at work in your life? This need not be a story that you go around telling others; start with the story you tell yourself. Do you describe your feelings about God, or do you start with experiences of God doing something in your life? It’s your story, so you tell it the way you wish. What is important is identifying the story that you have.
Many people don’t take the time to recognize what story they are telling themselves about God. The story we tell of God shapes how we understand God. Do we tell of God as one always trying to catch us doing something wrong? As well-meaning but foolish about the realities of life? As never being there when really needed? Or do we tell of God as showing up when everyone else abandons you? As caring when it seems nobody else does? As giving a sign of hope when you most need it? Our story tells us much about our own faith. If we don’t know our own story, how can we hope to share the story of God with anyone else?
I invite you, then, to ponder your story. You may even wish to write it out in a notebook. That can help you get the story clearly in your mind. Even more, it allows you to go back to that story in difficult times, to remind you of who God is and has been in your life. It might even help you share with others the story of God. I suggest you start by thinking of a time that you have felt God’s love. Recognizing that love allows us to embrace it and be uplifted by it, and doing so leads us to want to share it. That’s the thinking behind our tag line “Live the love.” When we know the story of God as a love story, then it is one we want to continue to be part of and share with those around us.