"Based on a True Story"
Article by Lauri McNair, MS
I always enjoy the car ride to our oldest daughter's choir rehearsals in Philadelphia. I love the ambiance of the city. The lights, the architecture, the hustle and bustle of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. There is a certain tone and allure that life in the city brings, which I find intriguing.
As I am taking in my surroundings, a bumper sticker on a car whizzing by us catches my eye. It read, "My life is based on a true story." I pondered and reflected upon that perfectly simplistic, yet deeply profound statement for a few moments. What a truth! Wouldn't you agree? It's the events, experiences, disappointments, victories, and challenges in our lives that make up our story. In addition, how we move through life also makes up our story, as well as how it will be remembered by others. How is your story unfolding?
Many of us have come through difficult and horrific childhoods, unspeakable challenges, and traumatic events that should have destroyed us. Experiences that left us feeling hurt, broken, rejected, and abandoned. Yet, by the grace of God, we are here today. Conversely, many of us have had a beautiful childhood and upbringing in which we experienced acceptance, love, and nurturing. What a wonderful testimony. Celebrate that! Everyone does not have to have had a traumatic experience to have a meaningful life story to share.
No matter how our lives have unfolded, there is meaning, purpose, and power to touch and impact the life of another. Don't be afraid to share your story. It could be just what someone, whose life may be hanging in the balance, needs to hear. Sharing promotes unity and builds relationship. It's in the sharing we realize we are more alike than different. We are all a part of the same community--humanity.
I always enjoy the car ride to our oldest daughter's choir rehearsals in Philadelphia. I love the ambiance of the city. The lights, the architecture, the hustle and bustle of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. There is a certain tone and allure that life in the city brings, which I find intriguing.
As I am taking in my surroundings, a bumper sticker on a car whizzing by us catches my eye. It read, "My life is based on a true story." I pondered and reflected upon that perfectly simplistic, yet deeply profound statement for a few moments. What a truth! Wouldn't you agree? It's the events, experiences, disappointments, victories, and challenges in our lives that make up our story. In addition, how we move through life also makes up our story, as well as how it will be remembered by others. How is your story unfolding?
Many of us have come through difficult and horrific childhoods, unspeakable challenges, and traumatic events that should have destroyed us. Experiences that left us feeling hurt, broken, rejected, and abandoned. Yet, by the grace of God, we are here today. Conversely, many of us have had a beautiful childhood and upbringing in which we experienced acceptance, love, and nurturing. What a wonderful testimony. Celebrate that! Everyone does not have to have had a traumatic experience to have a meaningful life story to share.
No matter how our lives have unfolded, there is meaning, purpose, and power to touch and impact the life of another. Don't be afraid to share your story. It could be just what someone, whose life may be hanging in the balance, needs to hear. Sharing promotes unity and builds relationship. It's in the sharing we realize we are more alike than different. We are all a part of the same community--humanity.
