Telling My Story: 63 Years of Reflections

Today I am telling my story.  My story started on June 17, 1956. Today is my 63rd birthday.  In celebration, I am reflecting on my 63 years of life. To do this, I am using one of the songs from the Hamilton Musical, Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.  The song starts like this:

“Let me tell you what I wished I’d known when I was young and dreamed of glory you have no control, who lives, who dies, who tells your story.”

There is a lot of truth in this statement and a few lessons to be learned. Here’s what I have learned.

1. The sooner you come to terms with God’s plan for your life the better. God has a plan for you; He will reveal it, you have to acknowledge it and follow it.
2. People are not the problem. They do what they do.  Ephesians 6:12 tells us, “ For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.”
3. War is inevitable, we simply must learn how to fight. You will never conquer what you are unwilling to confront. Don’t become comfortable in your sin. Do not let it take root.  1 John 1:7-8
4. Trust God’s Word. His Word is forever fixed in heaven. People are always asking me what I believe about certain things. My answer is always the same: I believe the Bible. God said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me. I have no moral dilemmas.
5. Love people, no matter what. There are going to be people living their lives according to their own code. We cannot change them, only God can. We can love them just as God loved us.
6. Practice Forgiveness. Forgive quickly (Matthew 6:15– But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins)and ask often (1 John 1:9– If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness). 

My story is continually being told. I have 63 years of stories and will continue to write them according to God’s will. It’s true; I have no control over who lives, or dies, or tells my story once I am gone. My intent is to leave a record of my life so others may learn and grow in the grace of God. Selah!