Have you ever heard of six word mini-memoirs? They got a lot of press a while back when Oprah featured a book with these short but powerful phrases. Inspiration came from Ernest Hemingway’s legendary shortest of short stories, “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.”
Most of us don’t think about writing our life story.
We could fill volumes with all of the things we’d tell people not to do. But compared to others, our life stories are just ordinary. Who would really be interested? Besides, it’s much easier to keep quiet and not say anything at all. There are so many reasons we can come up with for not composing a mini-memoir, but what if your story could give someone else encouragement? What if it could forge a bond because of similar experiences?
What if in six words you could light a spark of hope because you made it through?
Even King David, who in pride and lust ordered a murder to cover up his adultery, found forgiveness and restoration when he turned to God. God Himself gave David a six word memoir, “A man after My own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22).
There are other six word memoirs in the Bible. Matthew wrote of Mary, “The virgin will be with child.” (Matthew 1:23) Paul spoke of his new life and penned, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 1:1). And Paul encouraged Timothy by writing, “My true son in the faith.” (1 Timothy 1:2).
Why do six word memoirs have such impact?
They’re to the point. They make us pause and think about the layers beneath the words. They tell a story that draws us in without pulling us under in detail.
Here are some new ones…
– Wilderness wanderer now reflecting the Light. (mine)
– Prodigal son. Redeemed. Happy at home! (my husband, Gordon’s)
– Formerly broken, thirsting new life. Blossoming! (my six words for the woman at the well in John 4)
– Loves. Eradicated death. Arisen! Come live! (my six words for Jesus and His call to us)
Think about your life story: Where you were, where you are, and where you’re headed. Think about Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in Mark 16 to go and preach good news to the world. We’re all on this journey of life together. Your story may be the encouragement and hope that someone else needs today.
What is your life story in six words? Will you share it?
“And then He told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.’” Mark 16:15 (NLT)
May I pray?
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling to each one of us, simply because You love us and can’t imagine living through eternity without us by Your side. Open our hearts and minds to You today as we look at our life and compose our six word memoirs. Give us the courage to tell where we’ve been and to take a step toward You, no matter where we are. May we be encouraged and grow in sisterhood as we share our stories with each other. In Your precious Name I pray. Amen.
Q4U: What is your life story in six words?