3 C’s That Give Your Story The Power To Change The World

By: Debra Susan Bowman

Life is a story, full of tragedy and triumph, tears of joy and tears of sadness. Your story has it’s own plot with a unique ending written just for you, but it has just as much value and worth as someone else who finds the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But, even if you don’t get the pot of gold you get to enjoy the magnificent colors of the rainbow as you journey and garner the gold set aside for you along the way.

How do you get the gold if you think your story is inadequate or inferior? During the gold rush persistence paid off. That means your time plus your talent equals your treasure. Pan for even small flecks because many small discoveries equal profound themes in your story.

I heard of a woman who had a prodigal child who was running from God and family. After many prayers her child came back. She was rejoicing and had a happy ending. She found her pot of gold. I was happy for her, or was I? My prodigal died young in a car wreck. Why didn’t I have such a happy ending? As I pondered in self pity, God impressed the thought in my heart, God was in my story too! I can rejoice that the source of life and joy was with me in every sentence, every page of my story. And Father God ran to meet my son in his blunt trauma, wrapped His arms around him, carried him to heaven where he is now more alive than ever (Luke 15 the prodigal son). Wow, what a thrilling end, far greater than a pot of gold, he got golden streets and glory.

There is no doubt that God is in your story too. You may feel depressed or alone.

There may have been death, divorce, disaster, or addiction. Contrast the frailty of your feeling to the fullness of God’s promises and decide which route you will take. Jesus promises to never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). His compassion and mercy are new every morning. Meditate on His promises, let them saturate your story. This is how you impact the outcome of your story. Let’s look at a few more ways, shall we?

Consider

 Consider the choices you make in life. You have free will to make decisions about which path you will take. Your very brain neurons are on a course, it can be smooth or rough and that effects the landscape of your brain with resulting positive or negative emotions. Determine the narrative of the Chronicle of your life will be a path of peace, despite a few speed bumps. This can be accomplished.

Some situations in life you have no control over, but you can control your response. Don’t fester with unforgiveness, regret, bitterness or hate. “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). Allow your loving heavenly Father to bring healing and comfort.

Consider how the mighty Redwood trees share their roots, which entwine with the trees around them, making them powerful against the storms. The connections you create when you share your story are powerful in your storms. Consider how your story strengthens their story as their story strengthens yours.

Contribute

You can contribute to another, making their story spectacular. When that happens, your story takes on a sweetness and a sparkle as you help others down the rainbow trail. My cousin fostered a dog that had cancer. She loved and cared for it making the transition across the rainbow bridge easier and the pot of gold more accessible for all involved. There is also a great need to minister to humans improving their lives and story. Maybe you don’t think you are capable or have the money, but you can pray or wash a dish or just hold a hand.

Confident

Realize your identity and your inadequacy will turn to adequacy. You are a son or daughter of God almighty. Christ died for your sins, but you also died with Him. Any guilt, failures, inferiorities, or shame died with Him. His resurrection is your resurrection (Colossians 3:1-4). This story of Jesus in you and with you is getting more excellent all the time. Ephesians 2:6 says, ”And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” This is a place of blessed assurance and rest, so don’t doubt that your life is an awesome story. It’s His story too!

Perspective is powerful. This life is fragile and a minuscule part of the total, eternal story of your being. Always from that vantage point, life on earth is a short story. Strive to make it beautiful and beneficial. How could it not be when God is in your story and it is glorious, better than a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for there is no end to eternity!

Love, Debbie