Chapter 4

A Story Big Enough to Live In

We are called by God to do noble things. That is the Sacred Romance. We are part of a much bigger story. All of the arrows that have pierced us, all of the choices and decisions we've made because of these arrows have a purpose. It is all part of the story and who we are. Our lives make sense - all parts - the good and the bad.

The deepest convictions of our heart are formed by stories and reside there in the images and emotions of a story. Our heart is made to live in a larger story; having lost that we do the best we can by developing our own smaller dramas. According to the part of the story God has allowed us to see, the Haunting we sense is his calling us forth on a journey. The resurrection of our heart requires that the Sacred Romance be true and that is what the Scriptures tell us.

Monique:
I love a good story, in all forms. I love hearing one from another person, reading one, watching a movie with a good story or listening to one on audio. I love hearing my kids tell me stories about their day. Any good story.

To read that I am part of a bigger story is exciting and a bit frightening. What if I don't know my lines or what I am supposed to do or say? What if I say the wrong thing? As I read this chapter, I realized that I am fortunate. I have God on my side and he is going to let my little drama be a part of the much larger story and these little things will be lost in the main story.

John talked about how Brent did not have someone in his life to interpret his story for him when he was a young boy. Did you or do you now have an interpreter to help you with your story?

I had many interpreters. My mom and dad, my brother, my three sisters and some amazing youth pastors. As I was reading this chapter, I kept thinking about my brother. He was my hero and still is in many ways. He was so tall (6'4"), intelligent and strong. I thought he could do anything. He did everything he set his mind to. He set track records that stood for 24 years. If he did it, I wanted to do it also. Unfortunately, I am over a foot shorter, not as athletic, not as intelligent and definitely not as strong. But, Don's influence and interpretation of my life story is one of the greatest gifts in my life. His love for God and his willingness to go with God on the journey is real and it is my privilege to witness it.

God has asked us to go on a journey of the heart with him so we can resurrect the Sacred Romance.