Anyone who knows my daughter will quickly spot her knack for unleashing a flood of questions. Honestly, I often find myself scrambling for answers.
On this particular day, she fixed her gaze on me for a moment and then asked, “What is this?” as she pointed at a scar on my leg.
It’s called ‘a scar’….I replied
How did you get it? She asked.
I paused, letting memories of a childhood experience I could never easily forget wash over me.
As I shared my story, she listened intently, her face openly searching for meaning in every word.
It warmed my heart to finally share a piece of my childhood with my daughter.
Though the memory was bittersweet, I felt content knowing she might glean a lesson or two from it.
I imagine Apostle Paul felt something similar when he shared his missionary journeys in his letters, finding satisfaction in knowing that
the readers would find hope through those words.
Countless times he speaks of pressing ahead, rejoicing, holding on, encouraging one another and other hope-filled expressions.
One particular scripture speaks to my heart every time I try to piece together events favourable or not: Philippians 3:13-14 … We are reminded of the need to keep pressing ahead despite what life throws at us.
Brethren, I count not
myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things
which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the
mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
In the end, Apostle Paul masterfully captured the lessons woven through his experiences.
Not that I speak in
respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be
content. I know both how to be abased, and I
know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be
full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Philippians 4:11-12
The apostle understood the power hidden in the stories behind his scars, whether they came from disappointment or the betrayal of fellow believers.
Even if our scars don’t bring back joyful memories, something about them should sound the bells of hope.
There is power in sharing the story behind our scars.
Hope comes through sharing our stories.
Our stories remind us of how far we have come.
Our stories help us connect the dots, revealing how God gently weaves the tapestry of our lives.
How Do You Share Your Story?
>> Don’t do it with regret…because it weakens hope.
>> Share your story and be a hope-giver to others
>> Share every story that gives glory to the greatest story-giver, God.
>> Share your story with the right ears…hearts who want to learn more about how God’s faithfulness pulled you out of hard times.
Join me in “Overcome Failure: Get Back On Your
Feet” and share your own story!
This book is for the one who has a story to tell.
It is for those struggling to see the beauty in their stories.
By His Great Grace,
Ifeoma Samuel.
Leave feedback about this