Telling My Story + An Invitation to Tell Yours, Too!

The word identify came to me in a number of ways during the final week of 2012. Pregnant brain, time with family, and nursery preparations made thinking ahead to New Year the last thing on my mind.

Yet little thoughts kept popping into my head as I laundered baby socks and packed my hospital bag. I reminisced on the identity crisis I was surprised to face after my firstborn entered our life. Then I began thinking about the normal that we’ve grown accustomed to as a family of three as well as the rhythm I’ve gone with as a woman and mother and how it is about to do some major transforming.

My identity is about to be chiseled from what has become comfortable into something that will make me a better person in the end. New and familiar challenges alike are awaiting in moments I least expect them. God has decided that it is once again time for change, and I must either choose to welcome it with joy or dwell on the fear of the unknown.

On Sunday as I listened to my pastor speak, I felt inspired once again to consider the importance of identifying what makes up my identity. I reflected on God’s faithfulness and the ways He has spoken His plans into my life thus far. There’s a comfort that comes with seeing His work in the past, both in my own life as well as the lives of others.

That’s why I want to make an effort to write my story, at least in little bits. I’m not writing an exhaustive autobiography or anything, but I feel compelled to explore how God has brought me to this very place. To celebrate His faithfulness. To be encouraged by remembering what He has done, and hopefully encourage someone else along the way.

The dreamer in me would love only one thing more – if someone else who reads these words is inspired to do the same thing. We all have stories, and I believe they deserve to be shared, even if it’s only with a small audience. You don’t have to blog your story if blogging isn’t your thing. A journal, a scrapbook, a Word document – you choose what works best for you. Just think of how much your written-out story will mean to your children and loved ones!

I have some ideas for writing prompts if you don’t know where to start. I’ll share them in future posts. In the meantime, allow yourself to envision what you want your story to look like and where you want to write it. Next, let me know you’re on board! Shoot me an email (kwesterf@gmail.com), leave a comment, post about it on my Facebook page – I’m not picky about how you communicate with me, just do it, please. 🙂

I’ll give you a hint about what I’m wanting to do first because I know coming up with a starting point can stress a person out sometimes. I’m looking back on some of my favorite Bible verses and thinking about why and when they became favorites. I’ve already loved reflecting on the stories behind when these verses came alive to me, and I can’t wait to write them all down!

I hope you enjoy identifying along with me this year! Now let’s get busy thinking about our stories.

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