I have the joy of hosting Fave Lifestyle’s “Conversations on the Purple Couch.” The topic of our first series was following God. Rachel Young walked with us out of the bright lights of network television to a wonderful small business opportunity. Cindy Toledo walked with us through grief to joy. Heather Eder walked with us with words of encouragement. Heather Rousey walked with us from her bookstore and coffee shop to her campaign headquarters. Lynsie Hagen walked with us through our community handing out sandwiches and flowers.
Story by story we walked together. Because life really is not Pinterest perfect. Real life is not a perfectly cropped Instagram post. That’s easy to forget when stuff happens. Real life has unexpected twists and turns.
We decide to leave the “dream” job. We awake to unimaginable loss. Real life also gives us moments we never expected. We find words that can encourage and empower others. We step out of the pew and into civic
responsibilities. We hear a small voice from the backseat saying, “Mom, let’s give her flowers.”
Your story is so very important. Sharing your own walk of faith inspires others. Your own real-life adventures serve as a wonderful witness to an awesome God.
Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar said, “The genius of the biblical story is that, instead of simply giving us ‘seven habits for highly effective people,’ it gives us permission and even direction to take conscious ownership of our own story at every level, every part of life and experience. God will use all of this material, even the negative parts, to bring life and love.”
Life and love have given you wisdom and experience. Wisdom and experience, even the negative parts, have given you insight and perspective. Insight and perspective have fostered in you creativity and imagination. Tell your story.
