Category Archives: Biblical Storytelling

David and Goliath

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

Wow! Looking at the story as taken from the Dead Sea Scrolls. It makes me think about what I am focusing on in life and what really motivates me into inspired, excuse-less action. The kind of action where my identified problem is really secondary to what I really want at this precious moment in life.

David, a young Shepard boy, takes care of sheep. A rather thankless job in almost any culture, often “dumped” upon the younger siblings. Sheep, not being the most intelligent of creatures, create their own set of unique challenges. They actually remind me of the “I don’t get it’s” of society.  It isn’t that they don’t care or really want to figure it out, they just have a unique talent for missing the obvious.

David, a sheep milking herd protector, and “if no one else is available” errand boy heads up to the front lines of the latest battle to deliver food to his older brothers. While standing around the camp fire, listening, he hears a voice, a voice that is louder than any voice he has ever heard. Looking up he sees a man larger than any man he has ever seen. This man, dressed in armor, calls himself Goliath.

Hum, fight me and the war will end. The battle has been long. Front lines meant hand to hand combat – bodily intact-ness, breathing by night fall realities lie in certain question. The King of the Isrealites offers enticing incentives to the one brave enough to step forward. David, learning of possible marriage to the King’s daughter and tax free bonuses, steps into action.

King Saul’s heart goes out to this young man. In the moment he offers him his armor. The armor is for made for someone of specific size, training and stature that David is not. A nice armor-ed offer, but definitely not a fit. Gathering the courage within himself, his belief in God and belief in God’s belief in him. Further fueled by the King’s bonuses, David schedules an appointment with Goliath.

Five Smooth Stones

In preparation, David accesses his tools, his knowledge and his skills. He knows the importance and value the his work has in the lives of his sheep and the financial impact in the lives of his family. He has fought off many a wild, teeth bearing creäture threatening the life and lively hood of his precious flock and anyone that dare stand in their way. Kneeling down beside a stream, David carefully selects five smooth stones. Armed with belief, courage, a sling shot and five smooth stones, he defeats the giant, Goliath. And yes, the King remains true to his word, for there is a wedding to be planned and previously designated tax gratuities is now available for other uses.

When faced with the Goliath’s of our lives, where is our focus? Are we only seeing Goliath or are we seeing the joyous rewards that victory will offer us? Our dream job or business venture . . our dream home or car . . .the love of our lives . . .  the acclaim we have always striven for . . . the appreciation we receive for the unique gifts that we have to offer and the impact they make in other people’s lives. Do we let our circumstances define us or do we step out with the incredible resources that lie within us, with our focus  on the prize that lies ahead of us, and with our new story’s redefining, circumstance-ing outcomes?

Until next time . . . Let a Storyographer’s Journey Begin!

Samson and Delilah – Strength vs Doubt

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

An old favorite in a fresh light as I listened to Mary Morressey’s message this past Sunday in Warren, MI. The well told tale unfolds, a rather handsome man, hair long and flowing, the strength of an army. Army, yes an army and the opposing militaristic forces were desperate in search of another strategic idea, or two or three. The idea came, of course, the incredible beautiful, seductress Delilah. The kind of women that could make almost any man’s eye’s glaze over, his heart melt and his truest confessions spill forth. Often makes me wonder if she knew Helen of Troy.

However she has some work ahead of her. Persistent in the heat of passion and romance, she remains centered, focused on the ultimate question – where does your strength lie?

“Honey, I got it, I flaunt it, that’s all anyone needs to know!”

The routine continues, until in a moment of spirited intoxication, in a second of romantic passion, he shares his secrete drifting off into an enchanted sleep. No magic kiss at the end of this one. Bound, the source of his strength now gone with a clip of the scissors, as he hair lies strewn on the ground beneath his feet, he is taken captive by the opposing army. Eyes poked out, now tied to a grinding wheel, he spends his days making small circular rounds.

Strength vs doubt. An intriguing story of personal power, of strength of diverted focus and attention. An inspiring story of remaining true to the uniqueness of who we are and the incredible gifts we have to share.

Until next time . . . let a Storyographer’s journey begin!

Seasonal Mania!

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

Seasonal Story Mania!

The end of December marks the busiest, craziest, most celebrated time of year in the US. Holidays are nothing new, nothing old and happen frequently throughout the year. Only, in late December the celebration takes on a life, or more accurately, a life’s story of its own. More than anything else, this time of year represents the power of story, as many traditions, faiths, beliefs, parental units and media producers spend a great deal of time telling and retelling favorite seasonal stories. Inspired by the power of these stories, the majority of individuals across the country engage in some type of holiday tradition, celebration or obligation.

It’s Time

“Timing, doesn’t anyone get it! A census – Caesar must be crazy. Great, an official head on neck head count. Heads are heads, no matter their geographic location. The idea of traveling off to the city where the Male Head of households’ ancestral line resides adds a new dimension to bureaucratic blunders. Don’t they get it? I am nine months pregnant.”

Securing a reservation with Needle’s Eye Camel Caravan; Mary and Joseph pack their traveling clocks – slash sleeping bags, an extra pair of shoes, some cash and a container for water. Fortunately due to the increasingly large numbers of traveler’s, donkey rental businesses and caravan travel bookers are rallying in numbers to meet the needs of census bound travelers ensuring safer travel by numbers opportunities.

Next stop Bethlehem, the City of David.

Bidding farewell to fellow caravan travelers, Mary and Joseph welcome the business of the city. No longer having to worry about prowling mountain lions, thrill seeking wild boars and theft driven bandits, they find themselves surrounded by adults clutching the hands of young children. Directionless travelers seeking advice from direction filled residents. Merchants lining the streets notifying passing crowds of their goods and services. Their hailed voices lifting above the echoing chanter of daily conversation:  “Flame Baked” “Tree Ripened!” “Ox Strong Donkey Rentals!” “Lion’s Eye Protection: Camel Caravans!” A lengthy list carrying on farther than any eye can see or any ear can hear. Longing for more than a road side slice of land to sleep on, Mary and Joseph search for lodging.

Mary, feeling the early onset of labor reaches out to Joseph; “It’s time”.

“It’s time, what time?” asks Joseph.

“It’s time!” replies Mary.

It’s time for many things. Times filled with hectic schedules, family dynamics, emotions, wonderment, excitement, uncertainty, loneliness . . .  A time of appreciation, stopping to think about the people around us, those who touch our lives. As we again enter another time of gift exchanges, delicious meals and holiday gatherings, maybe considering taking just a bit of time in the expression of gratitude. It might be a great time to stop and share with each person gathered around one or more things that you appreciate about them.

Wishing you all the warmth, happiness and health in this holiday season!

Until next time! . . . Let a Storyographer’s Journey Begin!