“When you stand and share your story in an empowering way, your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else.”
Iyanla VanzantI learn so much when someone shares a story.
“Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience,” writes Robert McKee. “They are the currency of human contact.”
The currency of contact. Wow. That makes great sense. When I listen to the story someone shares, it helps me think about my life. Gives me strength to face my own circumstances with renewed vigor. Enlarges my capacity to empathize and “walk a mile” in someone else’s shoes.
Last night, I was invited to share my story. My earnest prayer was that my story would offer life and healing to someone. I hope it did.
Time was short, as always, so here is the additional information and materials I promised.
I’m praying for some quiet moments in which you can experience the “Who Are Your Bridges?” meditative exercise. Before you begin, take a few moments and review:
1. “A Million Falling Aparts” (PPT). Give this a few seconds to download. It might not make sense if you weren’t with us last night, but hopefully a word or two will stand out. The pictures tell the story of my last three years. Each one adding to the million falling aparts that eventually brought me to one major meltdown. I encourage you to map your own life journey, noting the significant markers along the way and the “bridges,” i.e. women who supported and helped you cross from one side of a difficult place to the other. Let them know. Thank them. Then, become that bridge for someone else.
2. Read Ephesians 4:14-16 in several different versions. This adds depth and interest. What speaks to you? We spoke of how, as women of faith, each one of us is a supporting ligament with a specific work to do. When we live this way, in spiritual maturity and unity, we are a mighty bridge of healing and hope for our spheres of influence. When this happens, watch out world!
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
2. Listen to “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North (please forgive any advertisements, can’t seem to get them off of it). It was my lifeline during my million falling aparts and I believe it will be yours.
3. On each slat of the bridge, write the name of someone who has served as a “bridge” in your life.
Who Are Your Bridges?
Bridges connect.
Bridges bring ease.
Bridges support.
I am where I am because of the bridges I crossed. The Woman of Thebez (Judges 9:50-52) was a bridge. Amy Carmichael was a bridge. . .
And, finally, a prayer for you today:
“When it seemed there was no hope
you showed us new ways forward, O God.
When there seemed there were only endings
You showed us new beginnings.
Strengthen our belief in the power of life over death.
Strengthen our belief in the force of truth over falsehood
that we may be bearers of hope in the world. Amen.
Will you share about the women who have been your bridges? What about them helped you cross to the other side? Let’s encourage one another.
And, as promised, a few pictures of those real-life bridges I crossed while on my journey with Candace Rose:
Be Remarkable. 