Fantastic life stories.
Do you have one? I don’t… at least not when measured by the world’s standards. Let me explain.
By fantastic, I don’t necessarily mean grand, glorious, excellent, superb or a dozen or so other synonyms meaning the same. What I mean is more along the lines of a “brought-back-from-the-ashes” kind of fantastic. You know what I’m talking about. A life-story that includes an extreme, seemingly debilitating circumstance that is eventually overcome by the kindness and grace of God to go on to become a shining witness for all those who happen by for a look, maybe even a best-seller.
I’ve come across a lot of those stories as of late; in particular, this afternoon while perusing the shelves at a local Christian bookstore. Rows and rows of books filled with the latest “triumph over tragedy” life-stories that ask for my attention… my wallet as well. And while I am grateful for God’s extension of grace and healing into the lives of those directly affected by painful, life situations, I’m wondering why the rest of our stories don’t “shelve” alongside these best-sellers. Why doesn’t a “less-fantastic” life get as much press as a “brought-back-from-the-ashes” kind of one?
As a writer, I’ve heard a lot of talk regarding “story”—about needing to have one… about what mine is and why others would want to read it. That kind of talk always leaves me feeling a bit hollow and inferior. Why? Because my life hasn’t lived, necessarily, in accordance with “fantastic.” Don’t misunderstand me. Grace is always fantastic regardless of how it arrives in the lives of God’s children. Every last one of us has experienced a “brought-back-from-the-ashes” kind of fantastic when it comes to God’s grace and all its amazing. What I mean is that not all of us have had to endure the trauma of something horrible prior to grace’s rescue. And just in case you’re wondering, I don’t wish for a Christian witness that’s in keeping with some of the horrors that my brothers and sisters have had to endure in order to receive their “fantastic” witness. I imagine many of them would trade their previous dread for a life lived less dramatically, less needful of an edge-of-the-seat, last minute kind of intervention. Still and yet, that kind of story seems to be what sells, what readers want, what lines the shelves of my local Christian bookstore.
If that’s the case, then I don’t have much of a story, at least not one that would sell. Certainly, I could talk about being the mother of four kids, but that’s not very original. I could talk about being a pastor’s wife, but that’s been done before. I’ve walked through a divorce, but these days that’s nothing new, certainly not headline worthy. I suppose if you’re the one walking through a divorce, it is. Sixteen years ago, it was a big, huge deal for me, but I’m mostly past that now. I don’t want to write about it, anymore than you’d want to read about it. It’s just not that fantastic. Today I live and walk in the grace that’s been afforded to me via the cross and in the spirit and freedom of Romans 8:1-2:
“Therefore, there is now no commendation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
So I’m wondering; perhaps you are as well…
What makes a life a worthy read? Why does one merit more press than another? Why do some stories garner the attention of readers while others get passed over? What if you had to “sell” your story to a publisher? Why would anyone choose to read your “life” over another one that has lived, perhaps, a bit more “fantastically?”
It’s not a fair question, for I happen to believe that all stories of grace are worthy of print. Funny how we get hung up on ranking the witness of God’s grace. Maybe you aren’t that shallow. Maybe you see the bigger picture. Maybe I’m just on a bit of a soap box tonight, but truthfully, I’ve grown a bit weary with it all.
I don’t need a story of “fantastic” grace to buoy me along in my faith journey. Rather, a story of daily grace will do me just fine. A day-in, day-out, walking it through kind of story that has lived a lifetime worth of days within the boundaries of holy living. An everyday life lived in an everyday way because a long time ago the lead character in the story made a decision to live an everyday Jesus in every kind of way. Not fantastically; just daily.
I imagine that’s most of you. Thank God for that… for a life that has lived free from some of the hardships of our brothers and sisters, from some of the prodigal lifestyles chosen by them as well. If today you’re living and breathing the same witness of faith that you lived yesterday… that you lived ten years ago, maybe even fifty years ago, then to God be the glory, and pass me your book please! What makes your story a worthy read (at least in my opinion) is your steadfastness to keep on doing what pleases God, come what may. To never stray too far off the path of grace, thus sparing yourself the need for a dramatic rescue from the heavenlies. To be content to live godly, even though it may never garner you the attention of the world.
Make no mistake… if you’re living godly, you’re being noticed. God is paying attention to your every chapter, even if you or others currently consider them mundane and ordinary. He’s adding the color along the way and as you go, and one day soon, you’ll see the fruition of his “fantastic” spin on your story. When you get home to him, you’ll find your book, shelved there alongside those of the ancients of old. It won’t go unnoticed or unpublished. It won’t be tucked away or forgotten or overshadowed by those whose stories you once deemed more worthy of recognition. No, your story of daily grace will stand front and center… in the very hands of God, and he will call it good and finished and a perfect fit in keeping with his kingdom library.
And that, my friends, is the making of a fantastic life story—one that begins and ends with our Father’s commendation. It may not make the shelves of Borders, but you can be certain it will make the shelves of heaven. I, for one, cannot wait to sit ringside with you and hear our Father read your story aloud for all of creation’s notice. Your life is just that good… just that worthy.
Believe it. Live it all the more. Here’s my toast to your beautiful, noteworthy life lived with God’s daily grace. I love you and thank you for investing good kingdom seed into the soil of my heart. As always…
Peace for the journey,
Copyright © August 2010 – Elaine Olsen
Enjoyed reading your post as always. You definitely have a way with words. When you have time you have an award to pick up over by me.
until next time… nel
There are so many prodigals with stories of God's grace and mercy. I was once a prodigal, so I know this firsthand.
But I admire those who have remained faithful to God through all of life's struggles. And yes, we all have them to some degree or another.
I think the biggest challenge is for Jesus to remain our first love. To never allow that relationship to become a given; that we are always amazed by His love for us.
I want to remain on fire for Him. To realize that His gift of love was something I never deserved and yet how thankful I am.
We each have a different story. I can't say that mine is worth a best selling book either. But God loves our story and that's really what's most important.
Elaine, you always have a way of getting to the heart of the matter and I love that about you. I pray that you are settling in and making a few friends. Change is always hard. I have to admit I really don't like change and I struggle with it. But know I'm thinking of you and praying for you.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Your post today has made me feel special the way I know God wants all of us to feel. You've pointed out some good truths–and in doing so–encouraged many of us who live for daily grace from God.
Prodigal or not, when one comes to focus on "our story" we fall into the trap of taking ourselves off the shelf! They're all GOD'S story. For HIS glory.
A large majority of the world's population would never have time to think of writing/selling a book. It would never enter their mind! And yet, let something happen to us, and immediately someone wants to write a book or make a movie of it–so that people can get caught up vicariously in the story of someone ELSE'S life instead of living their own for the glory of God.
OK. Off my soapbox. (But I DO wonder why we so easily go down the path of trying to market/cash in on our life experiences…)
I THINK that's kind of what you are saying here, too. Right?
Every graceful story is worth reading – LOVE that.
I love to hear all stories of grace – God works in so many ways.
I'm right there with you, Elaine. My life is a story of daily grace. And how neat to think that God is just as interested in my story as one that might actually hit the shelves at the bookstore. I love how He loves me!
Elaine – Thank you for stirring my heart and thoughts this morning.
I think that God isn't interested in us reading about someone else's fantastic as much as realizing that He is THE Fantastic. My question is… when I finish reading the "brought-back-from-the-ashes" story who am I more amazed with? The person or God? It has been something I have even been reminding myself about blogging… do people read a post and think more highly of me or more higher of God? Praying they find THE Fantastic in me as I experience God's daily grace.
God's blessings to you, dear sister!
Fantastic read. Thank You Lord! Thank You for using Elaine in this way. Praise YOU!
elaine, when I grow up, I want to write like you! ha!
I always enjoy your writing. you just speak from the heart and so much of it resonates truth with my own life.
You are special to me – as i think that all pastor's wives have a special bond.
many, many blessings today!
Oh this is a good one Elaine! It's really the day in and day out grace stories that make up the 'fantastic' story!!
Most of live in the day to day, there are a few neon lives out there, and stories of God's redemption in a huge way, but His redemption in my life and yours is every bit as valuable!! I honestly think living from day to day without the big drama is what His grace provides! I know that in my life, it's all from Him. It may not be headline news, but in a way, it's MY best seller! 🙂
Hugs!
Sonja
I agree too, that people who are going through these nailbiting experiences would like less drama and opt for the daily grace! Regardless of the circumstances in life, our story has to reveal how amazing God is. We lift Him up and he draws all men to Him. Florence Littauer says: "Words are our traffic in trade. People are convicted by words."
Everyday God is writing His story through our lives when He gives us the priviledge of joining Him in the work He is already doing around us.
Grand and fantastic are not necessarily words that must describe our life story, but rather steady, daily, on course,
trusting Him to complete what He has begun.
Reminds me of that simple phrase:
'His Story' becomes our 'HISTORY' when we are in the will of the Father. And with that — there is no greater story told!
Greast post…..miss you…. I just got back and had no Internet when I got home! It was nice to be disconnected for a time….. but only for a time!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
What a wonderful way to start my day! By the time I reached your closing words, a smile had formed on my face and in my heart…
"Daily grace"…I love that phrase…and I know the people who have been the greatest blessings to me…show this…and live this…
A “brought-back-from-the-ashes”story is a great and inspiring read…but the story of a faithful follower of Christ…is on my best seller list….
I so agree with you….."a fantastic life story—one that begins and ends with our Father’s commendation."
Great read today Elaine, as always!
Loved the title….daily grace….it's sure sometine we all need every single day for sure!
Marilyn
Love that..a story of daily grace. First, as a gift from the Father and then, hopefully, from me as I do life. Your words always make me reflect on my heart. Thank you!!
Ministry opportunities with the military overseas are where some of my friends are serving. You have it at your own back door. I'm praying about that one :).
Love ya,
Susan
Steadfastness…faithfulness in a world where the word is almost extinct. That certainly makes for a worthy story.
Leah
Beautiful post. Really touched my heart and left me thinking.
Mrs. Elaine, I loved reading your post, it was straight from your heart and was authentic, nothing fake in that. I think that it is the most amazing grace of God that some are faithful to Him their whole lifetimes. You are right, all of our lives do not escape His notice…
Blessings to you tonight,
katiegfromtennessee
btw, where did you get that beautifully calming piano music on your blog! I would love to buy the cd of whoever it is that plays such calming music!
Amen, sis. Let's all tell our stories…His wonders are never small, only big and tall. He delights in our willingness to share Him in the everyday slices of life, good or bad, tragic or sad. I love hearing both. Am so glad you share Him boldy, no matter what. Love you!
Elaine, for some reason I was brought to tears while reading this. I was at Walmart this week and noticing the women… What I saw was head-hanging, defeated looks, or just kind of like they didn't care…were just enduring. I don't know if it was just the mix for that day, but I noticed when I left that I was lacking love for them. I kind of looked at them as "that is how they are" instead of "what they could be in Christ if they met Him". Suddenly the Lord prompted me to pray for His love to well up within me for them.
When I think of the amount of media portraying "the image" that so few can live up to (ie on mag covers in every line at every grocery and department store), and the complexities of over abundance (Of choices, poor food, duties in caring for our vast amount of material posessions…etc) It's no wonder there seems to be a "carelessness" or "hopelessness" in the faces of people. And they feel ordinary.
Say a prayer for me to look at women with Jesus' pursuit, and desire for wholeness for them, and that I would respond to His call to action.
For in Christ there is no favoritism. Christ is all and is in all… (Colossians 3:11)
Your writing ability and expression is as valuable (in bringing glory to God) as any story of being resurrected from "doing chin-ups on the curb"… It blesses me and points me to the praise of His glorious grace every time I read your words. And that is the whole point of our lives and stories and gifts and abilities…or disabilities.
WHY, you even inspire me to write! I have been wordless every time I come to my blog, but the river opened up tonight! Ha!
Your words are always such a blessing. My story may not be a "best seller" in the worlds eyes but in God's eyes it is. I so love that He reads my every chapter, even walks them with me.
Blessings friend!
Amen, sister! I sometimes wonder also about how people want to elevate and go on and on about a physical healing of God when I believe the greatest miracle is when He awakens our spiritually dead heart to Him and gives us a new heart at salvation…to me that is the greatest miracle of all. As believers that is our greatest testimony no matter the circumstance He brought us out of and into His marvelous light.
wifeforthejourney:
God's mercy is a wonderous thing for us all. Sure the high profile stories may seem to be the most "effective" kinds of Christian testionies – but not everone will be reached by high profile Christians.
TV, books, movies, concerts and crusades are great tools for sharing the Gospel, but I still believe the most effective way for us to share our faith in through relationships. I have so enjoyed seeing how these relationships have come together here in blog-land!
Love to all,
Billy
Just stopping by from Stephanie's blog where you left me a sweet comment…thank you! Oh…it's so true…Daily Grace ~ what we all need!! How precious that the LORD promises to give us all we need as we walk through this life with HIM!
Blessings to you!
In Him,
Camille
Oh Elaine…sobbing…I hardly know where to begin to comment here.
Your last 5 paragraphs…sweet friend…you have no idea. In an attempt to have a story, I have strayed to other things…and my heart breaks now reading this…
God needs to get a fresh hold of my heart…and I need to surrender.
I've made some poor choices my friend…but He is speaking to me here and I need courage to make some changes.
Broken,
Joy