Sharing Stories Worth Telling
By Kelley Richman
Our family recently saw the theater movie, “The Nativity Story,” a true story over two thousand years old, a true story about a Birth that has changed many attitudes, beliefs and, most importantly, hearts. As we were exiting the theater, our young daughter commented, “I’m glad they make movies like that Mommy.” Interested in 6-year-old logic, I asked, “Why?” Immediately recognizing the value of a beautiful story, she replied, “Because maybe it will make more people believe in Jesus.”
My children have watched more movies lately than I care to admit, which jump-started my thinking . . . People are willing to pay a lot of money to produce and/or see, hear, and read stories in the form of movies, staged plays, videos, books, etc. Why? Stories can amuse, entertain, and convey ideas or political views. Stories can teach or even change attitudes, beliefs and values. Some stories impress our minds, while others impress our hearts.
Jesus Himself told stories continually during his ministry here on earth, sharing them with groups large and small, people young and old. “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitudes in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable.” (Matthew 13:34 NAS) Strong’s defines parable (#3850) as “a similitude…, i.e. (symbolically) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral)…” Parables, then, can often be presented as a story, although not all stories are parables.
In Mark’s Gospel, it says that “Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.” (Mark 4:33-34 NLT) In other words, while Jesus used parables to illustrate the truths he taught, he took the time to expound them and go into detail with his followers. After all, these were the individuals who would represent Him to the world after He returned to the Father.
As homeschooling parents, we have the time and opportunity to impart worthwhile stories to our children. Reading , storytelling and even carefully chosen movies can significantly enrich our lives together. When we invite our families to ask or answer questions and carve out time to discuss what was seen and heard, stories can be an engaging yet effective discipleship tool. Stories can teach, connect hearts, and convey eternal truths in a way unlike any other. Through stories we can share our ideas and views. Through stories we can mold and shape our children’s attitudes, beliefs and values.
Why do we homeschool? “Because maybe it will make more people believe in Jesus” ---most importantly, our children; then through our children, our grandchildren; and then how many countless others? Let’s live with eternity in our eyes and read, tell, or make available good stories to our children. Let’s use our time to do more than just “school at home.” Let’s take time for a good story.
Kelley Richman has over 17 years experience homeschooling her children with husband David’s unending assistance and encouragement. David & Kelley oversee the various administrative duties for Christian Home Educators of West Virginia .
"Mom to Moms" are written by CHEWV Board moms and sent monthly to our membership for whom we have email addresses. As a CHEWV membership benefit, these personal encouragements are for the moms who invest their days helping their husbands and discipling their children. We hope you enjoy these short messages from years past. To sign up for our current emails, please contact testing@chewv.org.
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