Unveiling Hidden Stories: The Power of Connection
Summary
In today's reflection, I shared a deeply personal story about my grandfather, Albin, whose life was marked by hardship and resilience. Growing up in Rockford, Illinois, I knew him as a Gruff, emotionally reserved man, typical of his Swedish heritage. It wasn't until after his passing that I discovered the profound struggles he faced. His mother died when he was just eight, and due to the circumstances of her death, she was not buried in the church cemetery. His father remarried, but his new stepmother had severe emotional issues, and shortly after, his father passed away, leaving Albin to be raised by a stepmother who did not want him. Despite these challenges, my grandfather managed to be a better father and person than what he had received, which I find truly heroic.
This story serves as a reminder that everyone we encounter has a story, often hidden beneath the surface. We tend to see others as mere background characters in our own lives, but each person is the protagonist of their own narrative. This idea is beautifully illustrated in the book of Job, where Job's suffering is not just a subplot in the cosmic struggle between God and Satan but a story where Job is the primary beneficiary, drawing closer to God through his trials.
In our lives, we are both supporting actors in others' stories and the main characters in our own. We must remember that everyone is beloved by God, and their stories matter. To truly connect with others, we should practice the ABCs of relationships: Ask questions, Be curious, and Care deeply. By doing so, we not only enrich our understanding of others but also expand our own stories.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Hidden Stories of Others: Everyone has a story, often filled with unseen struggles and triumphs. We should strive to understand and appreciate the depth of others' experiences, recognizing that they are not just background characters in our lives but protagonists in their own right. [05:06]
2. The Complexity of God's Narrative: In the story of Job, we see that God is concerned with each individual's journey, not just the overarching cosmic narrative. Job's trials are not merely a subplot but a means for him to grow closer to God, illustrating that our personal stories are significant in God's eyes. [06:59]
3. Interconnected Lives: Our lives are intertwined with those of others, much like a fractal or nested Russian dolls. We impact others and are impacted by them, highlighting the importance of treating everyone as significant and beloved by God. [08:23]
4. The ABCs of Relationships: To truly connect with others, we should practice asking questions, being curious, and caring deeply. This approach not only enriches our understanding of others but also enlarges our own stories, as we learn from the diverse experiences of those around us. [09:10]
5. The Value of Curiosity: Being genuinely curious about others' stories can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's love for all. By shifting our focus from ourselves to others, we open our hearts to the richness of human experience and the divine narrative at work in every life. [09:36]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - Introduction to Grandfather's Story
[01:12] - Swedish Heritage and Emotional Reserve
[01:50] - Discovering Grandfather's Past
[02:33] - Scandal and Hardship in Sweden
[03:24] - Family Tragedies and Resilience
[04:51] - Heroism in Adversity
[05:24] - The Book of Job and God's Love
[06:24] - Job's Story as a Primary Narrative
[07:29] - Interconnected Stories in the Bible
[08:23] - Everyone's Story Matters
[09:10] - The ABCs of Relationships
[09:55] - The Power of Curiosity
[10:29] - Community and Connection
[11:24] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Job 1:1-22 - The story of Job's trials and his faithfulness.
2. Romans 12:15 - "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
3. Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
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Observation Questions:
1. What were some of the hardships faced by the pastor's grandfather, Albin, as shared in the sermon? [04:51]
2. How does the story of Job illustrate the complexity of God's narrative, according to the sermon? [06:59]
3. What are the ABCs of relationships mentioned in the sermon, and how do they help us connect with others? [09:10]
4. How does the sermon describe the interconnectedness of our lives with others, using the analogy of fractals or Russian dolls? [08:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the story of Job demonstrate that personal stories are significant in God's eyes, as discussed in the sermon? [06:59]
2. How might the pastor's grandfather's story change our perspective on the hidden struggles of those around us? [05:06]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of being curious about others' stories, and how does this relate to our understanding of God's love? [09:36]
4. How can the ABCs of relationships (Ask, Be curious, Care deeply) transform our interactions with others, according to the sermon? [09:10]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you discovered a hidden story about someone you know. How did it change your perception of them, and how can you apply this understanding to your current relationships? [05:06]
2. Consider the story of Job and how God was concerned with his personal journey. How can you be more attentive to the personal journeys of those around you? [06:59]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of asking questions and being curious. Identify one person in your life whose story you want to learn more about. What specific questions could you ask them this week? [09:10]
4. Think about a relationship in your life where you could practice the ABCs of relationships more intentionally. What steps will you take to ask, be curious, and care deeply in that relationship? [09:10]
5. Reflect on the analogy of our lives being like fractals or Russian dolls. How can this perspective help you see the significance of your role in others' stories and vice versa? [08:23]
6. How can you shift your focus from seeing others as background characters in your life to recognizing them as protagonists in their own stories? What practical changes can you make in your daily interactions? [05:06]
7. Identify a specific way you can show genuine curiosity and care for someone in your community this week. How might this action impact both your story and theirs? [09:36]
Devotional
Day 1: The Depth of Hidden Stories
In our daily interactions, we often overlook the profound stories that lie beneath the surface of those we encounter. Each person carries a narrative filled with unseen struggles and triumphs, much like the story of Albin, who faced immense hardships yet emerged as a better person. Recognizing that others are not just background characters in our lives but protagonists in their own right can transform our relationships and deepen our empathy. By acknowledging the hidden stories of others, we open ourselves to a richer understanding of the human experience. [05:06]
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone you encounter regularly but know little about. How can you take a step today to learn more about their story and show them genuine interest and kindness?
Day 2: The Significance of Personal Journeys
The story of Job illustrates that God is deeply concerned with each individual's journey, not just the overarching cosmic narrative. Job's trials were not merely a subplot but a means for him to grow closer to God, highlighting the significance of personal stories in God's eyes. This perspective encourages us to view our own challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper connection with the divine. [06:59]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might this experience be an opportunity for you to draw closer to God and understand His plans for your life?
Day 3: The Interconnectedness of Lives
Our lives are intricately intertwined with those of others, much like a fractal or nested Russian dolls. We impact others and are impacted by them, underscoring the importance of treating everyone as significant and beloved by God. This interconnectedness calls us to be mindful of our actions and words, recognizing the ripple effects they can have on the lives of those around us. [08:23]
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a recent interaction where your words or actions impacted someone else. How can you be more intentional in fostering positive connections and supporting those around you?
Day 4: The ABCs of Building Relationships
To truly connect with others, we should practice the ABCs of relationships: Ask questions, Be curious, and Care deeply. This approach not only enriches our understanding of others but also enlarges our own stories, as we learn from the diverse experiences of those around us. By engaging with others in this way, we cultivate meaningful relationships that reflect God's love and compassion. [09:10]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your life with whom you would like to deepen your relationship. What specific questions can you ask them today to show genuine curiosity and care?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of Curiosity
Being genuinely curious about others' stories can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's love for all. By shifting our focus from ourselves to others, we open our hearts to the richness of human experience and the divine narrative at work in every life. This curiosity transforms our perspective, allowing us to see the world through the eyes of others and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. [09:36]
"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out." (Proverbs 18:15, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a person whose life experience is vastly different from your own. How can you approach them with curiosity and openness to learn from their unique perspective today?
Quotes
I grew up in Rockford Illinois my dad's family was Swedish Rockford was kind of a Swedish Town my grandfather Albin was in his mid-40s by the time my dad was born so he was quite old by the time I got to know him he was kind of a Gruff character um swets tend to be not real emotionally expressive anyway I don't think my dad ever heard his father say I love you to my grandmother or to my dad um when he wanted to be close with us and we were little kids the way that he would do that is he would pull us to himself and then rub our little soft faces against his face and of course that meant touch so that's kind of a good thing but it was whiskers so it hurt it was like sandpaper that's Swedish emotional life come here and I will give you affection and be close to you but it's going to hurt there's going to be a low price to pay and it was a hard thing to get to know him. [00:01:03]
His mom died when Albin was only eight and she was not buried inside the church cemetery and the reason for that this is all on the parish records the reason for that was because she had ingested sulfur and that was either an attempted suicide or uh a kind of a folk attempt at an abortion and either way the church said uh because of that she would not be allowed to be buried within the cemetery ground so my grandfather when he was 8 years old could not go to visit his mom's grave his dad remarried when Albin was 14 remarried the wife the sister of his first wife and she turned out to have very severe uh emotional health issues. [00:02:56]
As a 14-year-old boy my grandfather had l lost his mom and had lost his dad and was being raised by an insane stepmother who did not want him there and all of that would have broken wounded his heart so deeply but we did not know his story my dad did not know that story and when I think about what my grandfather had to deal with and how much better he did as a dad and a person that what it was that he was received it's really quite heroic but because I didn't know his story I didn't know everybody has a story everybody that you and I walk past those faces we often assume in a sense they're just bit characters in my story. [00:04:28]
Elizabeth stump uh writes about this in her book wandering in darkness when she's talking about job and it's a profound Glimpse at what a great God God is and what's actually going on in our world she writes about how in the beginning of the book if you've read it it talks about God's interaction with Satan and actually she writes about how God cares about Satan when he asks them where have you been it's an invitation for Satan to consider God loves all of his creatures including the Satan God cannot love and so if you read that you know part of what's going on is God uses job as an attempt to teach Satan there is such a thing as um loyalty and and faithfulness and goodness and Covenant Love. [00:05:18]
At first it looks like job is just being used as a pawn in the story of Satan but Elanor stump goes on tucked within the overarching story of God's Satan's relationship with God is the story that's focused on job with regard to that story not considered as a detail in Satan's story which it is but as its own whole story namely the story of job's life which it also is then job is the primary beneficiary of the events that are involved in his suffering that is because the same acts on God's part designed to teach Satan that Satan's cynical view of the world is wrong make job first a cultural ideal and then an Exemplar of human greatness. [00:06:04]
Although on the face of IT job is just an incidental part in the story of Satan's relationships with God nonetheless in the story which is The Narrative of job's life that story God is concerned to deal with job in a way that seeks job's good primarily and aims to draw job closer to God if job stands steadfast in fact in the embedded story focused on job God doesn't simply stand by to see whether or not job will be steadfast rather God intervenes to help job God shows up and talks to job and she notes out it's that way in the the story story after story after story in the Bible they focus on a particular person and so there'll be other people that often look like uh uh supporting actors. [00:06:56]
In every story we are impacting other people we are uh bit actors in their stories we can influence them for good or for ill but then we're all living in our lives and God is using other people in our lives so each of job's children could have been the object of a second story of a separate story where they too are the object of God's love everybody has a story nobody is a pawn and I dare not treat other people as just bit characters in my story sometimes a great athlete will talk about uh lesser athletes on the team as my Supporting Cast but what Elanor stump is talking about is in the Bible there is no such thing as a Supporting Cast we are all part of The Supporting Cast and we are all the objects of a story. [00:08:07]
The ABCs of relationship my wife Nancy will hate this she hates acronyms and alliteration and so too bad ABC A is for ask ask people questions about their story about their life about what they hope for where they're coming from my wife is actually a master at this one I Marvel that often it's the second question you ask somebody a question um how are you doing what are you hoping for what do you see down the road and then you watch how they respond and then you follow up with a question that begins to open the door ask and then ABC is BC be curious just be curious your heart my heart will grow more when we are curious about other people's stories than when we try to get other people to be curious about our stories. [00:09:03]
It is a mysterious and wonderful and Transcendent thought to realize as deep as your own awareness is and as much as your story matters to you so it is with each person and that is because everybody is beloved by God and everybody's story matters to God so today be interested in other people's story and by the way as a result Your Own Story will be enlarged and enbl. [00:09:55]
This series is all about stories everybody has a story and everybody's story matters and we want to know about your story whether it's a story of coming to Faith or a story of spiritual growth whatever it is we're here for you you can email that to us at connect becom new.com or you can text it to us you can also sign up for daily reminders whenever we drop a new video via text by texting the word become to the number 855 888 0444 you can also send us prayer requests there there's a team of us that meet to pray each weekday for viewers just like yourself. [00:10:32]
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