Live Your Story

Have you ever wanted to fight for what you believe in, to carry a quest so important that all rely upon you to complete it? Haven't you wished that life was actually more than it seems?

Why do we love stories like Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, Braveheart and The Patriot? It's because we all long to be a part of something bigger, something so important it trumps all else. Working at an office, going grocery shopping and cleaning the bathroom are so insignificant yet we take them as main responsibilities. There is no big story, there is no cause to fight for... or so we think.

How many times have you imagined yourself in the place of Frodo Baggins? What about Harry Potter or Hermione? Even Spock or Captain Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise? All of these characters have a destiny to carry out, even if it means death.

Where did this fascination and love for these stories come from? Maybe we are made for more.

C.S. Lewis author of The Chronicles of Narnia, wrote "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

Lewis created new lands, new races, and new stories because he believed that the human race was made for more. We weren't made to stress out over taxes and our next promotion. These things are insignificant compared to what we should be committed to. With a fallen world, our destinies have become less than noteworthy. Most of us are just happy to make it through a day of work. Many just want to leave the world having made it a little better than when they arrived.

What is important to you? Is there something you would fight for?

I feel God is calling us to live an epic life. One that gets our heart racing, a life that causes others to know that we are doing something big. Imagine a world where people don't sit on the couch but get up and carry out their promises, dreams and quests.

We don't have to slay Ringwraiths or defeat He-who-must-not-be-named. I challenge you to find something you truly believe in and go after it.

I believe God wants us to be who we were meant to be. I don't want to be caught up in this world and miss my chance for an epic adventure. I want to live it. I want to carry out His will and be part of something bigger than myself. I want to be my own Frodo. I have a destiny to fulfill and a job to do.

Answer the call in your heart. It's there, and you feel it when you hear stories. You were meant for more.

Thank you and a prayer

God,

Thank You so much for Your unbelievable goodness. Even in my overwhelmed and constricting mind, You do not cease to amaze me. You let your presence be known through Your beauty, quietly telling me, "I'm here, I'm here." Even the breeze through the leaves, the sunshine reflecting off the water, and the people You've given me to speak with, I feel You here with me. "Thank you" does not seem to express the gratitude I have for your kindness and love. How do you know all these things about me? Why do you give me wonderful things when what I've done is despicable? That's right... you're God. My loving, never-failing, powerful, awesome God.

I am going through such a hard time right now, God. I need your help. I can't do this on my own. There's too much to do and no time to do it. I have not been able to enjoy myself. I have not been able to love on you as much as I've wanted to. All the reading, the writing, the contemplating, the interviewing, the incessant worrying about internships, jobs, grades, relationships, I can't take much more. Please help me get through it if there cannot be a break. Jesus I need You. You said that whenever we call on Your name You will come to our rescue. I need Your rescue. I'm Your damsel in distress. You're my Knight in shining armor. I'm waiting, I'm praying, I'm willing to go where You take me. Please come to my rescue soon. I love you.

Shaye.

Prayer

God,

I know I haven't been a good daughter lately. I think that's one of my worst flaws. I never spend enough time with you. I don't read Your Word with You, I don't talk with You, and I don't worship You like I used to. Instead, I quickly say "thank you" when things work out well, I sing a song here and there, and I even bought a new Bible to encourage myself.

What is it that is keeping me at a distance? Is it lack of time? My incessant reading, my never-ending work list? I still think that I could do better. I shouldn't have to squeeze You in, You deserve SO much more than that.

Whatever it is God, help me to find the time and have the desire to come closer to You. Help me, like you always have to. Like you always want to. Like you always have.

I love you.


Shaye