THE POWER OF STORY
Nothing grips me more than a powerful story.
I love hearing tales of people overcoming major obstacles to reach their dreams. My heart is moved to tears when I hear of someone thriving in spite of horrible situations. I am inspired by the heartbreak, wonder and beauty in all of our stories. Stories of faith. Stories of joy. Stories of struggle. Every story matters.
I believe with all my heart that each of us are called to share our stories because we are all a part of God’s story. You may feel small and unimportant, but that’s not the case at all. You matter to God, and YOUR story matters too. It doesn’t have to be pretty, it doesn’t have to make sense, it doesn't have to be tied up with a neat little bow. It is more than likely going to be messy and ugly at times, but story matters, and sharing it with others can truly make a difference.
When I felt God calling me to write the stories behind the songs on my CD entitled “Grace Finds Wings,” I didn’t realize how much of my own story I would be telling in the process. As I started writing, I quickly realized that this book was going to be an autobiography of sorts. I hadn’t planned that at all, but every song on the CD carried a piece of me with it. It shouldn’t have surprised me, I guess, because I know the strongest songs I write are the ones that come from my own experiences. The book ended up being a beautiful reminder that experience is the best teacher. And the best muse for songwriting!
Grace Finds Wings: A Journey in Song highlights God’s grace showing up in my story in mighty ways through my struggles with infertility, adoption, infidelity, divorce, financial problems, the loss of my father from Alzheimer’s, fear of the unknown, and the struggles of parenting. One of the lines from the title track sums it up best, “When life comes down, crashing to the ground, that’s when grace finds wings.” It’s in our struggles that God’s grace is renewed and our faith is strengthened.
My story is not special. It’s not heroic. It feels small.
But God pressed on my heart that my story matters and I need to tell it. He pushed and prodded until I finally agreed to put it down on paper, with the hopes that something in the tear-stained pages would touch a hurting heart and offer hope. I pray that somehow my journey through joy and triumph and heartache and betrayal will inspire someone else to think, “She went through that and not only survived but thrived? Maybe I can make it through my struggle as well.”
How has God shown up in your story? How has God redeemed your messes? How has He given you wings to fly in the midst of disappointment and struggle?
I encourage you to be brave and share your story. There’s power in it. You don’t have to write a book (unless that’s what God is calling you to do!) but share your journey with someone who is struggling. Maybe your friend or neighbor is going through a situation that is similar to what you have experienced along the way and hearing your story could make all the difference in the world for them. Sometimes all we need is someone who understands what we are feeling, someone who’s been there and has come out on the other side. Share from your heart how you worked through it and offer the hope of your own experience.
That’s what Grace Finds Wings: A Journey in Song is all about. It’s written to honestly share my stories of faith and help you discover that when you fall, grace finds wings.
I hope you’ll order a copy and experience the power of story. And remember, all of our stories matter because we are all part of His story!
Hugs and love,
Jill
____________________
Nashville recording artist Jill Miller recently released her 6th CD, “Twelve, the Freedom Soundtrack.” Jill has opened for the legendary Loretta Lynn and Brian Littrell (of the Backstreet Boys), performed a duet with NewSong, and sang the national anthem for President Bush and 11,000 people when he was in Sioux City. Jill has also performed at the legendary Bluebird Café in Nashville.
Jill is a certified speaker, coach and teacher with the John Maxwell Team and has written the first ever theme song for the John Maxwell Team. Jill and her husband, John, have four grown sons and live in the cornfields of Iowa with their two male rescue dogs. Jill needs a little estrogen in her life!
Women of Faith is a global ministry, specializing in the use of all forms of media & technology, as a conduit to connect people to people and exponentially grow friends and community globally and to create disciples 24/7, 365 days per year. This allows Women of Faith to reach more people and to have more impact in growing God’s Kingdom. Women of Faith is also committed to carrying the legacy of wisdom, story and authenticity, by providing various media, initiatives, resources, events, courses, studies, partnerships and programs. These are utilized in delivering spiritual strength, life leadership, real relationships and to encourage and equip women to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus. Women of Faith's Foundational Voice is Alita Reynolds.
