What’s Her Story?

Sharon Betters

Today’s Treasure

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

Psalm 78:4

Dear Friends,

I am so eager to introduce you to Guest Writer, Barbara Thompson. I met Barbara over twenty-five years ago when I attended my first Leadership Training Conference offered by the women’s ministry of our denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America. Barbara served on the national women’s ministry committee and was one of the first women I observed welcoming and loving each attendee. I listened as she taught a Bible study and knew I needed to know her better. She dug deep into the Scriptures – no fluffy stuff. Our friendship grew and when I struggled to reconcile God’s love with His sovereignty after the death of our son, Mark, Barbara allowed me to beat on her chest, never flinching (at least not in front of me) when I asked hard questions that often have no satisfactory answers. Her own faith journey equipped her to walk with me into the darkness and I treasured every minute with her.

This week Barbara encourages us to consider the power of story and how our stories fit into the Gospel story:

In 2019, I began counseling with a godly social worker who reminded me of the power of story. As I contemplated moving my elderly parents into our home, I was stuck in my story. I was trapped between my childhood story and how to serve in the dailiness of caregiving.

Neuroscience and behavioral research have exploded our understanding of our stories interwoven with our brains and bodies. As an adoption social worker, the last years of my work were so hopeful. We learned that “children from hard places” were often healed as their story was heard by a “loving compassionate adult” (Karyn Purvis). Research shows that telling our stories in the presence of a compassionate, empathic person creates neural pathways that connect and heal.

As we consider God’s Story and our stories, the healing discovered by research is the tiniest part of God’s Story power. How do our personal stories relate to God’s Story from Genesis to Revelation? How do we think biblically about familiar Bible stories? How do the stories of older people matter for them and for us? What are some ways we get “stuck” in our stories? How do our stories begin and what difference does it make? How do we become an empathetic treasure of encouragement for others who come from hard places and have a story to tell?

I encourage you, as you read these devotionals, to start today by writing a brief story of your choosing. Try not to edit yourself and simply choose a memory or experience you want to record. Each day I’ll mention a way you may want to engage the story you have written. (Barbara Thompson)

Intrigued? Pull out your journal and start writing!

Treasured by Him,

Sharon

Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.

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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at d ailytreasure@markinc.org.

Personal Stories & Words From The Heart

What’s Her Story?

Today’s Treasure

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

Psalm 78:4