It’s Friday, the time of the week when I just write whatever comes to mind over at the Gypsy Mama. Won’t you join me. 5 minutes, no editing, no backtracking, no over thinking, just let those fingers fly and type out your heart.
This weeks prompt: Story
When we tell our stories, do we want a reaction or a connection?
Connection is different from a reaction and it’s so easy to confuse them.
A connection is the moment when someone else reads your story and a part of them knows your words in their marrow. The story in their bones.
It ties heart moments and resonates. It changes their frame. Their walk. Their ways.
We may never have the pleasure of knowing who we’ve connected with our words.
It may be a connection between God and their broken places, a fresh touch in their marriage, or a gentle voice reminding them to pause and savor the moments of toothy grins and muddy footprints.
It may be a moment of relief to laugh and smile during a long week of furrowed brows and worry.
It may be a challenge spoken throughout their whole life. Our words may speak to them without us ever knowing it.
On the contrary, a reaction is easier to measure. We see it in pointy lines and spikes in our analytics. We can add them up in likes and tweets and followers and platforms to proclaim our worth and our right to belong.
And I’m not saying that those are bad things. Most writers enjoy having their work appreciated, myself included, but if all we’re pursuing is reaction, we can lose sight of connection completely. I did, these past couple weeks.
That dragging feeling that I’m doing this all for nothing. The feeling that my words aren’t accomplishing what I’d hope they would. The feeling that I do not belong here. But then, reaction had distracted me from the fact that I love to write. I love to get a comment, even just one. I love to get an email or a Facebook message that says something and we connect in that moment. Because when I focus on reaction, it all becomes so very unattainable.
And then, we are no longer writing the good things . The true things. The story.
God’s glory can’t be seen primarily in stats or conversion rates. It is seen in our obedience and our faithfulness regardless of the reaction around us. Our story in His, our connection through Him.
Wow, what an amazing 5 Minute writing today. I want to always strive to making that connection when I tell a story. I want to be connected first to the Lord, and then to others by my words. I want to always write for Him, so that others will also feel connected to Him! Blessings!
Barbie recently posted..He Writes My Story
Yes, that is what it is all about. Sometimes I need to remind myself. Blessings to you and thanks for visiting here.
don’t you wonder how life would change if we focused on connection over reaction in all areas?
great thoughts! thanks for sharing with the fmf community!
richelle recently posted..Five Minute Friday ~ Story
Yeah, I think in my personal life, I have taken steps to worry less about the reaction (what people think of me etc) and more about the connection but sometimes blogging brings out weird and new insecurities. I think God is using it in my will to get at those areas I never even knew were there. Thanks for sharing here Richelle.
Wow! Great post, Alia, and great blog. I am one of your new e-sisters with Soli Deo Gloria and looking forward to it very much! Homeschooled my own two (one is in China with wife & baby and the other working on her Ph.D at Madison) and have in my lifetime struggled with depression as well. And I write! And play with graphic design!
God handpicked my new e-sisters and am sooooo glad you are one of those He picked!
Especially love that ‘about’ page.
Am adding your button to my blog right now – before I read another word!
Thanks Valerie! I am so excited to get to know y’all. I am hoping to have some time this weekend to blog hop and check everybody out and also to deal with my email inbox!
I think we need both. And initial reactions could be the impact of the seed being injected into fertile ground.
But I love a connection. Love love love. The connection with what God is teaching me, coming through unexpected places is DELICIOUS!
Maggie S. recently posted..Wordful Wednesday: Pinterest Eyebrow Tutorial
I totally agree Maggie! I do want a reaction. It’s nice to know your words aren’t going out into the void and no one is even reading them and I am trying to be intentional about ways to grow this blog but I think it comes down to expectations and goals. If all I’m seeking is approval, and not connection, I’m way off. At least that is how I’ve been struggling the past couple weeks. It helps to just get it all out there and admit that I don’t want that to be primary. I am so thankful for the friendships I’ve made through blogging, like you!
WOW, I needed this today! You just have no idea. Yes, it’s the connection we’re after (or should be), even if we only connect with one person who needed to hear on that day. Awesome write. Thank you.
Amy in Wanderland recently posted..What makes you read to the end?
Amy, I am so glad! That really made my night. Thanks for sharing that with me.
YES!!!! I was JUST trying to explain this (verbally) to a friend. I just jumbled up the words terribly. I may need to send the link to your post!!
I’d love to invite you to join in my online Bible study of Ephesians — starts next week!
Blessings,
Melanie
Melanie recently posted..Exploring Ephesians … Together! {And GIVEAWAY from Red Letter Words – $100 Value!}
Thanks Melanie, I am currently doing the Bible in 90 days with a group of women on Facebook and it literally takes up all of my Bible time to keep up so I don’t want to take anything on until I am done reading through the Bible in August but I wish you lots of blessings as you study together! And I love Red Letter Words, awesome!