First Baptist Church of Herndon

What's your story?

Linda Soller | Aug 24, 2015

Well it is official. I heard on the morning news faith helps a person lead a happier more satisfying life, and helps them face adversity. Yep, there’s a scientific study. Note I said faith, not a particular denomination. Also note I said face adversity, not avoid it. The study compared people who had been around a while, I think fifty years was the youngest age, and found a life with faith had them in a much better place, psychologically. They were compared to people with other long term social connections such as sports teams, or hobbies, and people of faith came out ahead. Seems having faith gives you a strong support system. Gee this all seems familiar!  I think people of faith have known it for a long time.

A few weeks back our pastor was on vacation and we had a pastor from another church fill in.  He talked about our stories. You might call them testimonies, but for all intents and purposes they are the story of the person who is sharing. When I heard the news this morning about the scientific study I thought of his sermon on stories. There he was standing in front of a bunch of strangers. We came to church expecting a sermon we could relate to, benefit from, and understand. You know what? We got exactly what we were expecting. The reason behind the success was the common bond we shared with him through faith. He brought us a message, his story, and we were able to connect. We didn’t have to know him in advance to be able to appreciate his perspective. This ability to relate was a result of our faith and his.

Apparently it doesn’t matter if you come to your faith really young or older, as long as you embrace it, practice it, and live it. Wow, easier said than done for many, but encouraging none the less. Not everyone is fortunate to be exposed to a life of faith at an early age. I know I say it all the time, but I don’t really know you, the reader. I don’t know if you are seeking answers or feel you already have the answers. I don’t know if you read this blog because you think I’m crazy or because it touches you in some way. What I do know is that each of you has a story. You may just be in the introduction phase of your story, maybe you have just started a new chapter, or maybe you are in the conclusion, but there is a story there. It is possible you have never shared your story or even considered what your story would sound like. It is also possible you have been anxiously awaiting to tell it to someone. My story plays out here in this blog, week after week. What’s your story?

Have a great week! :o)  Linda

Thanks Josh for a great sermon, it was nice to meet you! Give Adele our love.