Have you ever thought about your testimony? Have you sat down to reflect and remember what rivers and valleys—even mountains—you’ve crossed with God? If you’re clear on your “story”, have you ever shared it with anyone?
I believe our stories are invaluable tools. They help build each other up and strengthen not only our faith, but the hearts of those around us. Is our Faith not built on the testimony of the Apostles? If not for their boldness in telling others what they saw and knew about Jesus, His Good News would not have spread across the world. God used these earlier followers and Saints and their stories about His Son as a tool to save the lost. He continues to call each of us to do the same.
We, too, walk with Jesus and have stories to tell. We, however, walk by faith, not by sight. And even our Lord Himself said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and believe (John 20:29).”
Remember Your Journey
As a new convert to the Catholic Church, I have been asked a lot of questions which has caused me to reflect on my own story. Sure, the reading I’ve done about Church history and Tradition helps answer these questions. But what people are really looking for, and what I really want to share, is my journey through this process.
We can each look back and see our journey and where the Lord has guided us to a richer and deeper faith. Yes, there have been valleys and maybe even some mountain tops. Each is transforming you into who God has created you to be. His image bearer, His light in the darkness, His city upon a hill that cannot be hidden. I believe He calls us to reflect and remember and pass along these stories to our families and friends.
What are Your Stones?
One of my favorite examples of God calling His people to remember and recall their journey with Him comes from Sacred Scripture.
In the book of Joshua, chapter 4 speaks of a time when Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River towards the Promised Land. After the entire nation crossed, God called his people to go out into the middle of the river. They stood on dry ground (where the priests and the ark of the covenant were) and grabbed stones. They were to take them back to their lodgings. Theses stones would be a sign for them to remember where God has brought them, where He saved them, and where He is taking them.
When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘what are these stones?’ Then you shall inform your children saying, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’…that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.
Using Lectio Divina, read these passages.
What are your stones? What testimony can you share and stand on that others need to hear so that “all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty"?
How to Tell Your Story
Friend, I encourage you to reflect, pray, listen, and remember. Don’t let fear or timidity or even unawareness hide what you have been called to shine forth.
In our family, we collect stones (rocks—let's be honest) and keep them in a clear container and write a word or phrase on them to help us remember what God has done for us. We keep this on our kitchen table to always be a visual reminder that God is in our midst and moving us across our own Jordan rivers to the Promised Land.
Try it! I’m praying you will be blessed and praying for the Holy Spirit to guide your heart and mind into the truth of your story. Here's how to do it.
1. Reflect
This will look different for everyone. It might take you five minutes or you may want to spend an hour or longer prayerfully thinking. The Lord could even be nudging your heart to remember His faithfulness in a certain area already.
2. Write in Down
Write your reflection down in a journal, on some paper, or on your own “stone.” Put this somewhere to serve as a visual reminder that “the hand of the Lord is mighty,” as God instructed the His people long ago.
3. Share with Those Closest to You
Have a friend friend over coffee, tell your spouse, share with your kids, and anyone and everyone! Let’s build each other up as we are called to as part of His Church.
What's Your Story?
Reflecting on our stories and remembering and realizing where God has brought us and where He is taking us will enable us to be ready in all seasons to give a reason for the joy and hope that is in us (see 1 Peter 3:15).
Feel free to share some of your "stones" and stories in the comments below!
Written by Amy Hobson.
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