Each of us has a story and each of them is unique. I find if helpful to write them down in snipets, both the good and and the not so good. Why do I do this? I do it for myself and for my children and grandchildren. I grew up on a dairy farm, which was not then and even less so now, an unusual place to live. At an early age, I was taught to care for animals. When my legs were long enough to reach the pedals on a tractor and pickup truck, I was taught to drive them, even on roads close to the farm. There was a lot less traffic and the equipment was much smaller back then so it was not insanely risky for myself or others. 

My story has many happy memories but not exclusively. All experience can be helpful in instructing future generations, so why not write it down or record it and let them decide. I have found that writing down some of the not so good experiences of life has helped me confront and address hurt and pain in positive ways. It is said that the first step in recovery is admiting that one has a problem. Only following this admission, can healing begin. 

The Bible is a story of many lives culminating in the history of the greatest life ever lived, Jesus. The Bible is full of glorious successes and abysmal failures. I have often found comfort through reading of the failures of our Biblical ancestral brothers and sisters, realizing that I am not alone in my failures. The Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (The Message) stresses the importance of the Bible in our growth as Christians when he writes :

"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and is useful one way or another- showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

Everyone on the journey of faith should commit to regular devotions which include prayer and the reading of scripture. These are the essential the sources of communication with God led by the Holy Spirit. And, keep recording your story. It can be a source of growth and healing for you and possibly generations to come. Our stories might never be published but in my humble opinion, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit reads each and every one. 

God Bless y'all. 

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