"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Power of Story

I find words to be interesting, perhaps why I enjoy writing them. I also like the sounds of different words. Take the word ruminate. Dictionary.com defines it as: to chew the cud, as a ruminant, or to meditate or muse; ponder. This word accurately describes my thoughts as of late. I've been pondering the power of story. What a coincidence my current writing assignment also deals with this topic. Or is it?

How interesting that Christ often used the gift of story to spread His truths. Somehow a story can break through the lines of defenses and crack the armor that people use to guard their hearts. The words of this old hymn by H. Ernest Nichol reflect these thoughts.

We've a Story to Tell to the Nations

We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
That shall turn their hearts to the right,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light.

Refrain
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noonday bright;
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
The kingdom of love and light.

We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
A song that shall conquer evil
And shatter the spear and sword,
And shatter the spear and sword.

Refrain

We’ve a message to give to the nations,
That the Lord who reigns up above
Has sent us His Son to save us,
And show us that God is love,
And show us that God is love.

Refrain

We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
Who the path of sorrow has trod,
That all of the world’s great peoples
Might come to the truth of God,
Might come to the truth of God.

Refrain

We are affected by story through the books we read, those we hear and also watch. What type of story are you telling with your life?

1 comment:

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

How's your book coming along?

Marilyn