Comments on: Story and Memoir http://www.shereads.org/2010/02/story-and-memoir/ Story: The Shortest Distance to the Human Heart Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:21:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Carmella Broome http://www.shereads.org/2010/02/story-and-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-2210 Carmella Broome Sun, 14 Feb 2010 05:39:51 +0000 http://www.shereads.org/?p=603#comment-2210 I read an excerpt from this book through Zondervan's email book club and am looking forward to reading the entire book. I love this concept of "thin places," where the earthly and the eternal seem to be closer or intersect. As with every relationship, it seems that there are times when we can feel very close to God and times that feel more distant. I know the unique experience of moments when it seems like God sets something up just to encourage me or teach me. Its as if God is doing something very specific to get my attention or to say, "Hey, Carmella, I really am here and I really am looking out for you." Knowing concepts in terms of cognitive awareness is very different from encountering them in a way that is more personal or emotional. This process of looking back on one's life to find and recognize the "thin places" reminds me of narrative therapy, which says that everyone has a story and that we can decide which parts to focus on and which parts we'll allow to define who we are. The same life events can have a very different frame and where we choose to place emphasis has a lot to do with how we view events and relationships as we move forward. Depending on the angle chosen, we can see ourselves as victims of various circumstances or as people who have survived difficulties and overcome very hard things due to God's strength and grace. His strength truly can be made perfect in our weakness. Facts are facts but perception is crucial. This doesn't mean denying or minimizing the hard things. It does mean we can seek to be aware of whatever gave us hope, how we grew and changed as a result of experiences, and the perspective gained by going through very difficult experiences. I believe we all have stories worth telling. My best to those who venture into the vulnerable but rewarding world of writing about your life. Truth is powerful. It sets us free. Carmella Broome Adolescent, Adult, Couples, and Family Counselor, Crossroads Counseling Center, Lexington SC Author of Carmella's Quest: Taking On College Sight Unseen (Red Letter Press 2009) http://CarmellasQuest.LiveJournal.com I read an excerpt from this book through Zondervan’s email book club and am looking forward to reading the entire book. I love this concept of “thin places,” where the earthly and the eternal seem to be closer or intersect. As with every relationship, it seems that there are times when we can feel very close to God and times that feel more distant. I know the unique experience of moments when it seems like God sets something up just to encourage me or teach me. Its as if God is doing something very specific to get my attention or to say, “Hey, Carmella, I really am here and I really am looking out for you.” Knowing concepts in terms of cognitive awareness is very different from encountering them in a way that is more personal or emotional.

This process of looking back on one’s life to find and recognize the “thin places” reminds me of narrative therapy, which says that everyone has a story and that we can decide which parts to focus on and which parts we’ll allow to define who we are. The same life events can have a very different frame and where we choose to place emphasis has a lot to do with how we view events and relationships as we move forward. Depending on the angle chosen, we can see ourselves as victims of various circumstances or as people who have survived difficulties and overcome very hard things due to God’s strength and grace. His strength truly can be made perfect in our weakness. Facts are facts but perception is crucial. This doesn’t mean denying or minimizing the hard things. It does mean we can seek to be aware of whatever gave us hope, how we grew and changed as a result of experiences, and the perspective gained by going through very difficult experiences.

I believe we all have stories worth telling. My best to those who venture into the vulnerable but rewarding world of writing about your life. Truth is powerful. It sets us free.

Carmella Broome
Adolescent, Adult, Couples, and Family Counselor, Crossroads Counseling Center, Lexington SC
Author of Carmella’s Quest: Taking On College Sight Unseen (Red Letter Press 2009)
http://CarmellasQuest.LiveJournal.com

]]> By: Kimberly http://www.shereads.org/2010/02/story-and-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-2172 Kimberly Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:05:34 +0000 http://www.shereads.org/?p=603#comment-2172 Hi, Mary, I'm young, and still figuring it all out, but I believe I'm called to be a storyteller in my life. In fact, even as I've just been writing applications for graduate writing program, I've referred to myself as a storyteller many times. I've not yet understood exactly what that means, how it will manifest itself, where the Lord will take my love for telling stories, but it's encouraging to see where He took yours!! I look forward to reading your story. Thanks for sharing. Kimberly Hi, Mary,

I’m young, and still figuring it all out, but I believe I’m called to be a storyteller in my life. In fact, even as I’ve just been writing applications for graduate writing program, I’ve referred to myself as a storyteller many times. I’ve not yet understood exactly what that means, how it will manifest itself, where the Lord will take my love for telling stories, but it’s encouraging to see where He took yours!! I look forward to reading your story. Thanks for sharing.

Kimberly

]]> By: Mary DeMuth http://www.shereads.org/2010/02/story-and-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-2144 Mary DeMuth Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:16:17 +0000 http://www.shereads.org/?p=603#comment-2144 Jennifer, I pray it blesses you. Jennifer, I pray it blesses you.

]]> By: Jennifer http://www.shereads.org/2010/02/story-and-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-2141 Jennifer Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:09:13 +0000 http://www.shereads.org/?p=603#comment-2141 Mary, I am so going to get this book. From just reading the snippet about Thin Places, I feel that we have many things in common. Looking forward to getting this book. Jennifer Mary,
I am so going to get this book. From just reading the snippet about Thin Places, I feel that we have many things in common. Looking forward to getting this book.
Jennifer

]]> By: Mary DeMuth http://www.shereads.org/2010/02/story-and-memoir/comment-page-1/#comment-2131 Mary DeMuth Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:20:01 +0000 http://www.shereads.org/?p=603#comment-2131 Thanks so much for the privilege of posting here, She Reads folk! Thanks so much for the privilege of posting here, She Reads folk!

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