THE STORYTELLER

Recently in Small Group we were discussing the labels each of us wear-
Wife/Single, Sister, Daughter, Cook, Gardener, Athlete, Mother, Grandmother-
on and on all the things we are and do identify who we are.

Without our labels we are a black and white flat picture on a page.

One of the group looked at me and told me when I think of you I think "Storyteller".  I must admit I love to tell (and sometimes retell ad nauseum) a good story.  Occasionally I give a valiant effort at telling a story on this blog.  Many times it falls flat, for you see it is almost impossible to convey your voice inflection, facial expressions, and all the other nuances which make a story more than a collection of words on a page.  The mark of a great writer is the ability to convey the emotions held within the story.  I have a tough time getting the roll of my eyes high into my head down on the page.

Recently we were discussing on Social Media the book I am reading Girl Wash Your Face.  I made a comment that though the author certainly had some great points, I wondered what the book would sound like after a lifetime of living not from the perspective as a 30 something author.  A young friend said, "Write your book."  I have not thought much about tackling writing a book again, except for the occasional brief desire to write my mother's story.  She had quite the life!  Born in the beginning of one century and living to the beginning of the next, it certainly would qualify as historical.  My hesitation is wanting to really do all she experienced justice and knowing how very difficult that would be to get it down on paper.  It is a lot of difference in verbally telling the story and writing it down.  The flatness of a piece of paper filled with type is a huge obstacle to trying to convey the real story, and when the reader does not "get" the emotions behind the story.

This past week in Small Group one of the girls was talking about the Old Testament and how she had felt for a long time reading of God's wrath.  When we read the flat words on the page and not understand or stop to consider the emotions behind the story, it can be daunting.  One of the group had the most wonderful explanation for all of the death and destruction passed out by God.  She explained it was an indication of how far God would go to protect us and to keep us in a relationship with Him.  He desires to be in fellowship with us and will go to great lengths to ensure we do not stray.

Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in;

hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.

Psalm 107:4

Are you guilty of reading those words without considering the emotion?  Go out to the wilderness and spend even one day without food and water and reread those words.  You begin to understand the desperation of the situation and the utter despair which lead to your soul fainting.  

Read Job and tell me you don't understand the emotion of the story.

Therefore I will not restrain my mouth,

I will speak in the anguish of my spirit,

I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 7:11

Or does Paul's deep passionate care for the brethren in Corinth not jump off the page when you read this?

For out of  much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears,

not so that you would be made sorrowful, 

but that you might know the love which I have especially for you

2 Corinthians 2:4

So perhaps we should read The Word with the question of what emotion is being used with the story?  If the storyteller was standing before you, how would the story sound?  I dare say this would give a whole new meaning to the reading of His inspired Word.  Read it aloud after looking for the emotion on the page.  Understand the intent of the storyteller and draw closer to God as you learn who He is.

For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;  it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12