I told you yesterday that I would talk again about Tracy Radosevic, the biblical storyteller.  Well, here it is. The session made quite an impression on me as Tracy discussed with us the importance of “Story” (Yes, that’s story with a capital “s.”), the ways in which stories define and redefine us and what they provide. “Story captures where truth intersects with our life,” Radosevic said.

We are always telling stories and thus, we are storied people. A traditional Jewish saying is that God created human beings because God loves stories.  Thus, it makes sense that the creation narrative provided in the Old Testament book of Genesis depicts God speaking the world into existence.  We are literally made up words and are also creators as the psalmist informs us of the the power of life and death that resides in our mouths (Proverb 18.21).

Tracy shared with us that  there are three main categories of stories that shape us: family, culture and faith. All three categories overlap, intersect and are mutually informed by the other(s). Within these major categories are subcategories that provide further distinction and make our individual stories unique as we are members of different cultures, possess different family values and traditions and come from a plethora of denominations and faith traditions.

But, while stories are helpful in providing meaning, understanding, formation, cohesiveness and a framework, stories can also be used as weapons, devices of manipulation and tools of exclusion.  And it matters who tells the story as persons can be left out of the story. We can tell stories that make persons feel like they don’t belong.  Stories can put people “in their place” or may take them to a special place. There are narratives of scarcity and abundance, of conflict and peace- building, of hope and despair. Stories can tear down walls or they can reinforce and construct barriers.  Stories also make connections and form relationships.

We are living narratives and we are living a narrative.  How does the story of race in America define and redefine you?  What framework for your life does it provide?  In what ways does the story of race overlap with the stories of your faith and family? What story does race tell about you and is it a narrative of scarcity or abundance, hope or despair, conflict or peace- building?  God created you because God loves stories.  So, what’s your story?

Today’s post is number one hundred!