One word for prophet in the OT is "nabi," which literally means 'to bubble forth'... another way of looking at it is as a 'truth-teller,' someone who speaks the Truth(s) of God to a misguided and beloved people.
prophets=truth-tellers
narrative= story-telling
Prophets wrote narrative.
Our story-telling is an act of truth-telling, an act of prophecy. When we speak the Truth(s) of our life, we are invoking the Holy to be present in that act because it is God who helped fashion that story. Stories can be a life saving act, as so many of the prophets proved, even when the message was delivered with tough love. On several occasions, when prophets were called by God, God assured them that She would speak through them.
"Do not say,'I am just a child,'... I will put words in your mouth." (Jer. 1).
The stories we have to tell are full of Truth and strength, resilience and love, faith and doubt, lost and found, peace and anguish. They speak honestly of our experience and look boldly to the future. They give us a way to connect with others and bring new life to the lifeless. They are an entry point to relationships and a way to dig deeper into others' lives.
Stories are connection. Stories are truth. Stories are hope.
Tell yours and be not ashamed, for others may be carrying the same joy and/or burden.
1 comment:
Story telling and story listening are the heart of any faith journey be it church or seminary or outside the walls of any institution. I appreciate your insight and look forward to meeting you on Sunday.
Rev. Curran
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