Story or Plot?

Story or Plot?
Friday, August 8, 2014 by Barb

Once upon a time … So began the ever-changing story of our lives.

As I listened to an instructor teach about story versus plot in a fiction writing course at a recent writing conference, I realized how relative this is to our lives today.

STORY refers to the inner—emotional and spiritual—need(s) in a character’s life and the progress or regression made toward that goal.

PLOT refers to outer or physical needs/desires in the character’s life and consists of a chronological series of events which either progresses or impedes these goals.

With this in mind, I wonder how many of us spend quality time examining our story—our spiritual walk—as we trudge forward with our plot—the daily demands which absorb so much of our time and energy.

What would you say is your over-arching hidden or inner need(s)? Maybe significance? Healing? Could be so many things. It’s important that we ponder this question and ask God for vision as to where He wants to take us.

Is this something we need to work on ourselves? Or, as we commit our lives to God, does He use PLOT—the circumstances in our lives—to mold and shape us on the inside? Is there a balance?

The sequence goes like this: THOUGHTS lead to FEELINGS lead to ACTION. Change happens from the inside out. King David, a man after God’s own heart, knew this well when he prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

In the next few weeks, I’d like to take a closer look at the PLOT SKELETON given in my class, in terms of what the Bible has to say about how it applies to our lives. I would love for you to join me in this study and encourage you to send this invite to your family and friends. Together, let’s look at what God was saying when He promised, “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

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I pray God’s richest blessings and love on you as you seek to know Him more!

Barb

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