Women's Ministries Programs

Resource Material

Theme:

"Memories"

"Everybody Has a Story"

by

Barbara Brocksieck

Central Territory

My Story

Most women would not make the statement, “My story is worthy of a book.” We are too humble to think that and certainly feel inadequate to write it. But everyone has a story—a story worth telling. We all tell stories —stories about a trip or what happened when the burnt toast set off the fire alarm and the fire department responded. Give the women an example. Then ask them for their input. Tell them that you are looking for ideas for stories, not specific stories. The following list could be helpful but tailor it to suit the women in the group.

Possible Topics

*childhood memories

*school days

* family

*neighbors

*children or grandchildren

*pets

*work and co–workers

* church/corps

What is Your Favorite Story?

Memories make better stories than we realize. As a child of God, we have infinite worth. Our words, even the description of what may seem very ordinary to us, are unique and important. Ask the women the following questions: “What is happening in your life today? How is God working in you? Who are you and what does this event or feeling mean?” Writing these things down is called journaling and it can help us clarify our thinking, realize our feelings and come closer to God.

Instruct the women to jot down a word or two about an incident from their past in a notebook—just enough to remind them of what the story is about. Give everyone a minute or two. If someone can’t seem to think of anything, encourage them by asking, “What do you remember about …?” If some of the women have difficulty writing, invite another woman to come alongside them and write as they talk. If you know ahead of time of those who cannot write, provide a tape recorder or other dictation device and ask someone who is confidential to transcribe it later. Another suggestion is for the women to choose an event from the past week or month and write their feelings or reactions to it. They could use something they enjoyed observing in nature and how they saw God in it.

Another idea would be to write their reaction to a favorite verse or story from Scripture. Put these subject ideas on a blackboard where everyone can see them. Give the women 5 minutes to record their thoughts. Then ask if someone would be willing to share her writings with the group. Remind them that their journals are private and don’t have to be shared.

Leaving a Legacy

Many of the Psalms reflect experiences in the writer’s life. They record what happened and how the individual felt. Read Psalm 42. In this Psalm the writer expresses his honest feelings about God. He admits that he is discouraged but ends the Psalm by indicating that he will still praise the Lord.

Read Psalm 51 and 86. These Psalms are a part of King David’s journal. In Psalm 51 he is admitting and repenting of his sin with Bathsheba. Psalm 86 is his plea to the Lord when he was in deep trouble. Even in those times he expressed his trust and faith in the Lord.

Ways to Journal

Journaling can take a variety of forms, even within one notebook. The following are some ways:

1. Journal the events of life.

Reflect on the events of a day, not just what happened, but how you felt or reacted. Write about where you saw God at work, or where you missed Him. Share a strong emotion, or

things for which to be thankful.

2. Journal in response to Scripture.

Read a verse or short passage of Scripture such as Luke 15:8–10 and respond to it. What does this say? What does it say to me? How did it make me feel? What should I do or be

in response to it? Do I believe it? This is not Bible study but meditation.

3. Journal in response to a book or article, a TV program or the radio. Read a newspaper headline and ask the women to respond to it.

4. Journal your prayers.

A journal can take any number of forms. It can be as written prayers. Many of the Psalms are prayers. It can be in list form—people and situations about which you pray and record

when and how God answers those prayers. This list should include not only others but yourself. What do you need? What is God saying to you about this situation or this person? What does He want you to do? Let God surprise you with new ways of seeing, thinking, hearing and feeling.

To get the habit of journaling started, it is good to write something every day. But it is not a necessity. What journaling can do is enhance and enliven your walk with God, your understanding of yourself and the world around you. You have a wonderful story to tell!

Enjoy it. Give it meaning and bring it to life—journal it.

Getting Started

The following equipment will assist the women in getting started to journal their stories:

A notebook for each person (This could be a pad of paper, a small spiral notebook or a blank book.)

A pen or pencil

Tape recorder or other dictation device

Newspaper or news magazine

Decorations

On a table, display copies of journals from such writers as CS Lewis, John Woolman, St. Augustine or Henri Nouwen. Include a Bible as a part of the display.