Over the past two to three years I've been overwhelmed at the sudle power of narrative. Certainly I'm not new to this idea; I've been listening to and telling stories since I could speak. Most everyone has in some form or another. They are woven in the minutiae of everyday life and indeed, they make up everyone's everyday life. Stories are timeless, and their sway, whether good humored or glum, is undeniable.
Here's an example: I teach middle school English and have the bleeding pleasure of having a very lethargic group of pre-teens first thing every morning. At 8:30am, I can think of nothing more exiting than a room full of droopy eyed, disheveled middle schoolers eager not to be eager about anything in particular. I am confident that, even if I am giving free directions to a fountain flowing with sugar potent Kool Aid that promised immortality and a life time supply of silly bands, video games and freedom from peer pressure, I would get no response. Until, from my pocket, I pull out my secret weapon. Seven simple words: "Do you want to hear a story?"
Seven simple words act like sixteen shots of B-12 in sixteen tiny little, wrinkled sleeve covered arms. Backs straighten. Eyes widen. Smiles even begin to grow.
"Oh yea! Yea! We want to hear a story. Is it a funny story? What kind of story?"
I may choose to tell them a story about Darren the Dependent Clause who was lonely and without a friend until Ingrid the Independent Clause came along and they became friends, and of coarse things became very complex. Funny funny, haha. Sure, I've roped them in with the lure of my seven simple words, only to disappoint them with some fictitiously male sentence fragment named Darren whose desires for companionship only lead him into having difficulty with members of the opposite clause. They listened, but they feel more like they've been trick rather than enthused. Let me tell you what really holds their interest--stories about me. Not because I'm great (I'm not) or because my stories should be on the big screen (I wouldn't pay to see it) but because I am real just like they are and the truth is, real stories are the best ones.
So, because I believe in the power of narrative I use my blog and wirting for the purpose of telling real stories. Stories of the minutiae of everyday life; the ones that make up who we are and that will make up who we'll be. I hope you enjoy it and are encouraged by what you read.
Mostly, I am thankful for the greatest Author of the Greatest Story ever told Who captivates the hearts of men and women with His Great Story, changing their stories forever. My story is one that has most certainly been changed.
