Wednesday, October 15, 2014

iTell the Story


October/2014
iPray eVotional

iPray eVotionals exhorts those who pray.  It's the glass of water held out around each month's turn for the runners who can use a quick and easy quench in order to finish strong.

iTell the Story
Approx. reading time: 7 minutes

When I think about telling my God-story I am reminded of the chorus of a hymn I use to sing as a child: 
"I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love."

Story Telling Passion
I just got a call from my son, Fosi.  It's lunch time at school and he was still hungry after eating, a quick reminder of a snack I packed solved the problem.  Right before hanging up he said, "This is Fosi's evil twin and Fosi is absent from school.  Ok?  Goodbye."  At age ten his love for creating stories and living them out invades every conversation.

For years my son has been interested in story telling.  In my 2011 Christmas letter I wrote, "He also writes his own books, his favorite story-telling creations are a series called, "Golden Soot" where the characters are animals."  In my 2012 Christmas letter I wrote, "Being a creative boy that loves to make stories and draw pictures, Fosi finds ways to develop his Golden Soot series and map out his character's journeys."  In 2013 I wrote, "His love for creating stories and making books was enhanced this year as he drew from his Disneyland experiences."  By the end of that year Fosi had created a company name, movies, TV series, books, theme parks and more.

Two summers ago Fosi asked me to help him write and film his movie.  We started on a script and then stopped short.  Last summer he had the idea of doing a film camp where we could do scenes from his movie and his sister, who loves to act, could be in it.  It never happened.  The disappointment of two summers without a film project started to weigh heavy on his heart.  I did not want him to lose that drive, that ambition and vision.  I decided that I would do something to aid him in learning how to tell his stories by buying annual passes to the giant of movie-making theme parks, Universal Studios in Hollywood.

Visiting Universal Studios has increased Fosi's drive to make his ideas come to life, now he has vision like never before.  "I want to film all of my CrazyBopBoom movies on the Universal back lot, including the Golden Soot series!"  As the tram toured the sets I could see the stories running wild in his head.

That passion to make something inside him come alive makes me think about our own God stories.  Each of us have them in there, waiting to come alive.   

I missed organizing a film camp for my son.  Why let anymore opportunities slip by? We should be getting annual passes that lights a passion to tell our God-story.

Story Telling Action
A great example of someone living out their God-story is the talented writer Marshal Younger.


In these films, Marshal Younger helps present a clear God-story for his audience.  One that moves them to live a worthy life and to make good strong choices.  He has clearly used his gifting to set others on a path of right choices.

Perhaps the most intriguing example of Mr. Younger's commitment to telling the story comes from a recent script I read of his. Unlike the movies cited, the script was not labeled Christian.  Nobody gets saved and Jesus isn't even mentioned. So why do I see it as an intriguing example?
Not only was it entertaining, made me laugh out loud and allowed me to think about the humor in my own daily life as a mom, what I enjoyed the most was how the convictions if what he believes were not compromised.  It even highlighted the very real conflicts we face when we strive to live lives of high moral value and presented an honest God-honoring resolve.  Marshal Younger told a story with great conviction and honesty which ultimately adds to God's story.

"Now I'm glad- not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss."
2 Corinthians 7:9 (The Message)

In a world bent on selfishness and egos, all of us face the temptations to conform.  To build a "golden calf" and create our own "festivals" out of fear of what might be done or said against us. 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2

In Marshal Younger's script proposal he wrote, "At times, we will be uncomfortable in our faith and in our family life.  We are compelled to make the uncomfortable choice, because it will lead us to gain."

Love to Tell The Story
I recently watched an interview with James Denton, known for his role on Desperate Housewives, after his second roll in a Christian film.  He explained that he was attracted to the character, adding that it was a coincidence that he had done two in a row.

In his interview Mr. Denton said, "I'm always very private about what I believe."

Still he was compelled to do these films when he was approached with something that spoke to him.  He explained why and how the two roles attracted him.  The first family film was about a father and daughter that he wanted his kids to see.  The other gave Mr. Denton the opportunity to play the dynamics of a "bad guy".  He also talked about another film he would be doing with the same film makers.

We love to post publicly on social media the meals we just made, who we are engaged to, the latest accomplishments made, how we are spending our Friday night and so much more.  It is in our nature to tell our stories in some way or another. I believe that God provides us with compelling opportunities to honor and trust Him by telling our God-story.  When that means stepping out of our comfort zone, God's love and purpose will replace the fear and uncertainty.

James Denton was invited to be a part of God's story and he said yes, even when it opened doors for public (and possibly uncomfortable) conversations about his faith.  Marshal younger said yes as well.  He honors God in his story telling, with opportunities to have an affect on a wide range of audience members.  The story of what God has done and is doing; the story of hope and freedom can be the most compelling thing we want to share.  Like my son, I want to have passion and a desire to talk about my God-Story.  With it on the front of my mind, I want the story to invade my every conversation; I want to be ready to take action when given the chance. I want a genuine love to tell the story.

Praise the Lord that He values us greatly as His children, and helps us overcome any fears in our lives. Our "story-telling" can oozes out from the choices we make and how the positions, gifts and talents given to us are handled.  Let's not miss that every day we are given opportunities to tell His story, even when we are working on something that is not labeled "Christian."  From our first "good morning" to our evening "nighty nights."

Let's love to tell the story!

"I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love."

iPray...
Dear Lord,
According to the way you have created us, bring out that passion again.  May we consider our story with You the most relevant, compelling and life changing post ever.  May we not give up, but find new and fun ways to keep that inspiration going.  May we not get distracted or let our fears become irrational phobias. Because our time is limited, may we consider who we are in Christ the main course and not just a side dish...

iPray that we will long to tell the story, and that we WILL tell the story.

In Jesus name iPray, amen

ALL for Him, Michelle
818-268-5915
In This Issue
iTell the Story
Story Telling Passion
Story Telling Action
Love to Tell The Story
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Michelle Fozounmayeh



Michelle Fozounmayeh
A joy filled wife and mom that enjoys writing, praying, speaking at women events and being an Area Coordinator with the ministry Moms In Prayer International.


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