I am attending today a conference/festival on Bible Storytelling presented by a group called the Network of Biblical Storytellers.
I have always been fascinated by good storytellers – they bring life to words and pull even the most reluctant adult into a story world. Going to this festival has been on my bucket list for a long time.
Our own holy scriptures were first told verbally. Just imagine hearing the parables of Jesus or the story of Noah told well around a campfire.
Sacred stories are those of transformation, they are stories that draw us closer to what I call the Lord Within The Heart, and they help us to see our connection to all things. There’s a saying in the Jewish tradition that the shortest distance between [a hu]man and God is through a story. So if storytelling is a journey, sacred storytelling is a pilgrimage—a pilgrimage to a place called Hope.
Andy Fraenkel
I will share more about my learning adventure next week once I return but this made me think about my favorite Bible stories.
I love when Mary Magdalene thinks Jesus is the gardener in the resurrection story and all changes when he simply says her name. Or how Elijah hides in discouragement and fear and God tenderly feeds his spirit. How I would love to tell these stories and bring them alive for others.
What is your favorite Bible story and why?
Such a difficult task to choose one favorite Bible story! Esther would certainly be one of my top choices. Her courage and cleverness, the intrigue and tension of the story give the reader/listener plenty to hold her attention. God is not mentioned in this book, but his invisible hand is obviously at work behind the scenes, as events unfold.
I hope the Bible Storytelling Conference exceeded your expectations, Jean!
the conference was wonderful. Yes I need to blog about it yet. Ruth’s story is a great example and would be a fun one to tell too.
Id have to go with Ruth and Boaz. God always turns things around in such a beautiful and generous way if we just will trust that He will. He later can really be better than the former because His hand has touched it
Ruth and Boaz is a great story and would be a good example of a story to learn to tell to others. has been a great conference here and I have learned much. Leaving tomorrow inspired and renewed.
Jean,
What a great conference to attend…hmm, my favorite Bible story? I don’t know if I can just pick one…I will have to think about it…and yes, the power of a good story 🙂 Glad you got to do something on your bucket list 🙂
yes it is a wonderful conference, Dolly and I think will forever crack open God’s word on a different level for me. Also got quite a few writing ideas too.
“The shortest distance between man and God is a story.” Is it any wonder that Jesus taught in parables? I like the story of Mary and Martha, the latter being told by Jesus to focus on what’s truly important in life. Have a wonderful time, Jean! Looking forward to hearing all about it.
great quote. The story telling experience here at the workshop has been powerful inspirational and educational. Mary and Martha is one of my favorites too. will write more about story telling next week, Thanks Martha.