Five Minute Friday scribblings, Hope

Story: Each Story is Unique

Jeanne Takenaka

+Jeanne Takenaka @JeanneTakenaka

Our Five Minute Friday prompt this week is—STORY. This largely unedited “rough draft” form of writing stretches this perfectionist, in the best of ways. We write for five minutes on a given word. If you’re interested in learning more about 5-Minute Fridays, check out the Five Minute Friday website. Or, click on the link at the bottom of this post. As you read my simpler Friday posts, I hope you’ll join in the conversation!

STORY

We’re each living a unique story. We have our individual experiences Joys. Sorrow. Obstacles. Overcoming.

No two people live an identical life. No two people have the exact same purpose while walking this earth.

Or, maybe we have the same purposes, but God has created us in such a way that only we can influence the people in our sphere.

God has created each of us to minister to those He’s placed in our lives. I can’t replace you in your world and minister as effectively. Nor can you replace me.

God brings beauty into each story.

Walking through infertility shaped me in a way that I can speak into the pain of waiting and of idolatry from the things He taught me.

You have walked through certain kinds of hard that equipped you to be a unique voice in the lives of others.

Though there may be shame in parts of our story, we should not be ashamed of those times. God redeems our shame. He uses those aspects of our story to speak life and truth into people.

Our stories are crafted by our Father. Shaped by His hand. Yes, most of us have gone our own way at times, But God still redeems.

God hasn’t called us to live our stories in shame. He’s called us to live for Him, allowing Him to continue to rewrite our pasts, to counter our lies with His truth.

He still writes His truth on our hearts and over our lives. God writes His love into the fabric of our lives.

He’s giving us opportunities to share our stories with others so that they too can learn what His love is first hand.

When we share the “pretty” and the “ugly” of our stories with others, they find hope. Because they see that God is the One who heals the broken-hearted,

who sings over them with love,

who rewrites the ugliness of their pasts and transforms their presents into beauty.

What about you? What words has God written over your life? How have you seen His hand redeeming your story? 

Click to Tweet: God writes His truth on our hearts and over our lives

I’m linking up with Five Minute Friday—Story

Published by Jeanne Takenaka

Award winning aspiring novelist, Jeanne Takenaka, writes contemporary inspirational fiction that tackles real life issues with a heart to draw women closer to God and those around them. She lives near the mountains in Colorado with her amazing husband and two exuberant boy-men. She loves being God’s girl—always learning about His grace, hanging out with friends and enjoying a great cup of coffee. When she’s not writing you can find her with a camera in her hand, looking for #alittlebitofpretty in her days.

27 thoughts on “Story: Each Story is Unique”

  2. Jeanne, this is a tough one for me. I’m being battered down by new and revolting symptoms, and see the dismay in Barb’s eyes as she realizes that yet another line of defense has fallen. In the common parlance, it all sucks, big time.

    The only redemption there is, for me, is in Christ’s blood. The only word is Crucifixion. To me, there is not the God of “I will see that your dreams come true”.

    There is only the God that say, “I will be the Light in your darkness, if you accept Me.”

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    1. Andrew, isn’t the redemption of Christ’s blood the most important thing? We each live it out differently. And I think, more than God making our dreams come true, the true beauty of our stories is the work God does in the heart of a person. And, His light has shone brightly through you, my friend. The way you follow hard after Him, in the pain, and you find Him in this place you’re in . . . these are beautiful in the eyes of all who know you.

      That said, I am so, so sorry things have gotten worse. I’m continuing to pray for you and for Barb. Sending a very gentle hug, my friend.

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  4. Jeanne,
    God is truly the master of bringing beauty from our ashes. When others see His acts of redemption in our broken lives, it gives them hope. From our wounds we can be ministers to those who follow on the path behind us. Beautiful post and so true! Thanks for sharing your heart!
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

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    1. Bev, I am forever in awe of how God redeems a broken heart, a messed-up life. I’m forever grateful that He continues to work in me, refining me, and conforming me to the image of Jesus. I so appreciate you!

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    1. Hi Mom, yes that butterfly shot was very impromptu. The boy was trying to capture one in his hands. And he did it. I had my phone ready when he opened his hands, and that butterfly just sat there for a few seconds. It was so sweet to see the smile on my boy-man’s face.

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  12. So very thankful for a Heavenly father that not only makes each life beautiful – but can redeem our shame. Thanks for the reminder – such an encouraging post today! I am always blessed when I stop by your blog!

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    1. I’m with you, Jennifer. I’m so thankful God is able to redeem every life, each story. No matter how “bad” or “ugly” it is. I so appreciate your kind words!

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  14. Seeds of hope are planted when we share our stories with others. And I like so much how you mention that our stories can be rewritten too, showing the redeeming grace that Love does!

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    1. Lynn, isn’t God amazing that way? I’m so thankful He can re-write our stories with the pen of redemption. He is truly a hope-giver. I always appreciate your words here!

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