story view
I love to hear people’s stories. I want to hear what they wanted to be when they grew up and how they met their spouse and who they named their children after. And when we know each other better, I hope they’ll share with me the harder stories, about the child they lost or the child they couldn’t have or the child who broke their heart.
But their stories aren’t written in black and white on their faces for me to read when I say hello for the first time. I can’t feel all the pain they hold inside when I feel their hand grasp mine in a handshake.
And too often, I let what my eyes see on the outside distort the stories they are holding inside. I tend to judge by clothes and hairstyle rather than seeing the lost job and broken heart they hide.
I want to view people through the lens of their stories, even if they are stories I have not yet heard. I want to see them like Jesus sees them: a beautiful creation, made in His image, with a story worth telling.
Such a blessing to read this post tonight … thank you.
Love this! I agree. Our stories and our experiences make us who we are. They show people why we are the way we are and why we think the way we think. I also like that you identified the difficulty of knowing people’s stories sometimes. They’re stories aren’t written on their face. It takes a relationship and trust to be able to share and listen to other’s stories.
Amen, Gretchen.
Yes. yes. Just this.
Beautiful view.
Thank you for your faithful Five-Minute Friday comments, Denise!
I’ve read probably 20 of today’s FMF posts so far, but this one really touched me. It’s beautifully written, but more than that, it’s just …. beautiful. It’s so sincere and I know exactly what you mean. I love that you want to love people the way Jesus does. I sometimes lose sight of that. Thank you for this truly lovely reminder that that is what we’re here for. Oh, and I really really like your name, too. 🙂 I know that’s kind of dorky to say, but for whatever reason, I just think it’s a great name.
Why thank you, Susan. I so appreciate your comment. And thank you for the compliment on my name. 🙂
Love this post. I do the same thing. I want to know their stories.
I think it might have something to do with being writers, this love for stories… 🙂
Everyone has a happy and painful story to share. I have not met anyone that will not share both. So good to look at people through the lens of grace…a grace from God that embraces us without hesitation. So thankful!
So true–in fact, sometimes people are more willing to share their pain than their happy!
Yes, we hold those stories within. How much gentler would this world be if we saw like He does. Beautifully written 🙂
Can you imagine? He didn’t even have to look at someone to know their life stories…He knows them all.
YES. I too want eyes to see other people in this way. I’m grateful for your heart and for this reminder!
Thank you, Cara.