Story Time

photo by: garten-gg via Pixabay

I used to wonder why I remembered most events in my life. And it seemed as if in great detail. Or why would I remember other’s events or stories? Or how I could recall a profound statement years later. In the past, I would say, “Oh well.” But as I started writing, I realized I tapped into those memories to introduce a topic or illustrate a point. Like I am about to do now.

Today, I recognize it is the way I am wired. I recall those “stories” in living color, and I would dare say, with accuracy. I know others tend to “twist” or “change” some details of an event or conversation, usually to make themselves look better. As difficult as it may be, I do my best to remember the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me, God. I do this because I strive to be honest in my heart about facts and myself. Therefore, I am not tempted to “edit” the story.

God knew someday I would use how He wired me to write. Usually, I will see or hear something, triggering a memory of an event, statement, or story. Shortly after that, a spiritual value will come to mind. I pray over it to see if it is something God wants me to share in a blog. If so, I have to write it down immediately or risk forgetting it. You should see how many “Post-It” notes I have pinned to a corkboard on the wall beside my desk. I am a Storyteller. One of my favorite stories to tell is, Jesus’. From his supernatural birth to unselfish death and between the start and finish of his life, is love.

So, how has God wired you? What gifts, talents, or skills has He placed inside of you that He hopes you will give back to use for his glory? Don’t think for a minute that you aren’t good enough. If you place it in his hands, He will bless and multiply it. The Holy Spirit will hover over it, and God will say, “It is good.”

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11 (NIV)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, Jer. 1:5 (NIV)

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Pt. 4:10 (NIV)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

Don’t Forsake the Children

Her family just emigrated from India.  Mother, father, little brother, and Anara.  Anara is only three years old, and when she arrived in America, just a few short months ago she couldn’t speak any English.  Anara’s parents thought it would be best to enroll her in preschool, so they did.

Anara is smart, and soon she started learning the language, but she also started learning the Bible stories the preschool taught.  It wasn’t long before she begin sharing her excitement, of those stories, with her family.  They witnessed Anara’s happiness, and joy as she grew in her love for the one true God.

Intrigued, her father inquired of the school, and asked if they could get an advance copy of those stories.  From the mouth of a three year old, the gospel of Jesus Christ is going forth.

Jesus: Let the little children come to Me; do not get in their way. For the kingdom of heaven belongs to children like these.  Mat. 19:14 (The Voice)

Children accept Truth easier than adults.  The older one is, the more their mind gets in the way of faith.  Simple faith, like that of a child is just believing.  Not questioning, and not reasoning, because a lot of the things of God don’t make sense to mankind.  And that is because God’s ways are much higher than ours.

Be like a child, be like Anara, and simply believe.  Then, as time goes by, and you begin to experience the love of God for yourself and see his hand in your life, only then will you understand.

Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.