If writing a book about writing a movie about a book you once wrote about yourself isn’t the ultimate act of narcissism then doing a 65-city book tour promoting said book must be. I’ve never been more tired of any human being than I am of myself these last few weeks. It’s endless talk about why I wrote a book and why it’s important. Each night I give a presentation and two days each week are filled with radio interviews in which I explain why this book matters and why people should part with twenty bucks to read it. It’s a sad existence, but the truth is, with blogs and twitter and facebook, it’s just a commodified life that most of us are already living, that is to process our lives to be openly praised and criticized by neutral onlookers. So why do it?
Here are a few confessions and observations and justifications regarding the act of writing about yourself:
1. Confession: There is something in me that wants to be known by others. I share my life to have other people read about it, put down the book, look me in the eye and say “you exist.”
2. Confession: Half the time, if not more than half, I am full of bullshit. I share what will make me look good. If I am vulnerable, I share just enough vulnerability to be perceived as vulnerable, rather than to actually humiliate myself so that others can talk more openly about their own insecurities. I also leak in my accomplishments, and I’ve become a master at it. I don’t even know I am doing it half the time, and the other half I strategically list my accomplishments so that they come off as dismissive or “in passing.”
3. Justification: By exploring my own feelings about life, I am actually exploring the human condition, and in writing I try to find something interesting about “us” rather than “me” and so by reading about me, people are actually reading about themselves. I believe this is actually true of the memoirist. If they really wrote all about themselves, nobody would care.
4. Justification: More people can engage a first-person narrative than a preachy sharing of principles.
5. Justification: I didn’t make myself, I’m not taking credit for my existence, so what’s the difference between talking about myself and talking about somebody else?
6. Observation: I’ve actually known a few memoirists, and I’ve found them to be very humble people. Usually. And I’ve met even more people who write preachy books, and I’ve known them to be arrogant. Maybe if they talked about themselves more, they’d realize they’re just grunts like the rest of us. Also I think some of these people are actually afraid to have you know about their real lives.
Anyway, I will keep this list going. Feel free to include your confessions, justifications and observations as you process why you write about yourself. It’s fun to be human, I think.
Don
Justification: I write about myself in a small journal ( the third of two others I have written because it is therapy. Justification: I also write about myself because I figure if I talk about myself enough and let it “spew” out I will be in essence drained of myself and have more room for being truly selfless.
Everyone,
As I recently read my last entry, I realized something awful: I love myself too much and try to make myself look better than I am. I am a pharisee. Vulnerability is not an easy thing, but I think it’s a very necessary thing sometimes, don’t you?
I think you should write a novel. I think it would give you a break about talking about your self and your life. I would review it on my blog and lots of Philadelphians would read it. Then you could come to town and talk about youself some more.
[...] October 2009 A few days ago, I read a blog post by Donald Miller, reflecting on self-promotion. I read Don’s autobiographical book, Blue [...]
i think i forked over $15 bucks, not $20. whew.
kidding.
i’m actually going through a second-read with the help of a sturdy highlighter. i especially dig chapter 16.
7. validation: we put our best photos on facebook and write about our best days on blogs and tweet about happy happenings because we want to be validated, but in a successful light.
it’s kinda shitty actually. to need validation from “neutral onlookers”…and everyone does it.
i guess i couldn’t stand it anymore, so i vaporized the facebook account, have never been on twitter and am trying to give a real account of my life for anyone reading my blog.
but even then, it often feels narcissistic and i still only put better pictures of me on my blog and … maybe you can’t escape it. it’s built into the walls or something.
anyways. thanks for sharing. i caught you in vancouver when you were here and i was all about the health care joke. too bad it doesn’t fly down south!
shoot.
have a good one.
Confession: Writing about me is often a search to tie a bow of redemption around a 3 act strand of my life to gift to myself for reflection, or others albeit altruistically but indelibly hoping validation…
the latter is where narcissist battles dignity.
Observation: Despite the euphoria the bowed package produces from perceived self conquering, genuine resource, and flattery from others…
Damn if it’s NOT the end of my story…
And the written third act is most vulnerable for bullshit…
Closure in fiction is invariably more concrete than memoir
Justification: Writing about myself give structure to feelings, experiences, and stepping outside myself in hopes of big picture moments. At it’s best it seeks truth, transformation, and brands my soul with the seal ‘remember’. If my story helps others, may God protect me from self and give courage to shout it from mountains, and strength to keep shouting it from mountains…or, ahem, tour buses.
Confession: My “friend” made a facebook post he was eating mint chocolate chip ice cream and I almost defriended him. Really, is this what we’ve come to? Eating? And per some posts on this thread, pooping? Nonetheless, it’s more often in actual conversation vomits rather than written form where I’m like, really? Don’t you want to just keep just a little for yourself?
Observation: Vulnerability sows vulnerability. I’m vulnerable because I want to be known deeply and it always risks rejection. In doing so I give others permission to do the same. If you want to know what I’m eating you’re not going to find out by facebooking what ice cream you just ate. Somehow I don’t think you care to know anyway. But if you care to know my story, the ultimate invitation is by sharing yours.
Confession: I think I write mine not just to be known and have my existence validated, but to attract kindred souls…
It kind of sucks when I attract the other kind. Aha! I write to discover myself…for better or for worse…see what ugliness just came out!
Confession: More often than not I esteem my writing abilities during a draft…even with items never intended for others. It seems so ass backwards.
Justification: none
Observation: Potty mouth sows potty mouth. I’ve never been so liberated.
Observation: The loss of first person narratives – in context of not having community or withholding while in it – contributes to why traditional church does not seem to be working.
Confession: At a recent crossroad regarding finances and family my dad preached to me principles…the chasm never seemed so deep. After reading Million Miles I was made me jealous for a dad that spoke to me about and through story. I love my dad. What I want to say is keep writing, speaking, writing of speaking, and speaking of writing.
Justification: It bears fruit. A tree is know by it’s fruit.
Confession: I’ve been drinking wine and it’s way past my bedtime.
Don,
If it makes you feel any better, I’m not sick of you.
-Lydia
Catherine,
What an incredible story. You have remarkable courage, and I think your family is going to see that some day. Thanks for letting me play a small part. What an honor.
Much love,
Don
Confession: I write about myself because it’s the fastest easy way to get back in touch with who I wish I was, or who at least I hope I am. But sometimes, I don’t know if who I’ve written is who I really am…I catch myself trying to be the person I wrote. I thought you were supposed to write about who or what is…it’s all backwards. As is much in life.
Don,
If it makes you feel any better, I AM sick of you. (not totally, I read all your stuff and enjoy it…insert winky semi-colon and parenthesis here)
Don, Thanks so much for sending me this message today. I totally didn’t expect it! I don’t really feel all that courageous most of the time, thanks for saying so. I’m meeting him my youngest today, and yes, I’m taking your book with me. Not to push it on him, I never have liked having Jesus “sold” to me, but trying to find ways to, as you say, “introduce” him to Jesus. Regarding my confession yesterday about being an old lady and having a writer’s crush on you, well….when I got your email today, I promptly emailed my sister and told her I almost peed myself! Also, said I felt as if I were nine, and Paul McCartney had just walked up to my house, when I worshipped the Beatles! Now, I know I’ve gone ’round the bend. Whoa, old girl!
In all seriousness, thanks for being so accessible to those of us who so love your work.
Love to you, Don
Catherine
Well if you are so tired of hearing about how great you and the book are, when you come to Chattanooga I promise not to tell you that. I could actually say some mean stuff to help you even out if you think that would help. ha!
I confess that I’ve wrestled with whether my stories are because I’m so self-consumed or so insecure that I can’t see past my own nose. It’s humbling and surprising actually, that in sharing my stories other people can actually see that they are no alone.
As much as we are bred to believe in isolation and independence, our stories actually unite us. We find we’re connected and although the circumstances may vary, we are all telling the same story. One of brokenness, redemption and new beginnings.
~Rhett
Self-reflection about self-reflection about self-reflection about self-reflection. Don, I like it. At least you’re aware enough of yourself to know when you’re bullshitting. If you’re able to do that, I think you’ll be okay. Just get some sleep, alright?
And if you ever make it to Indianapolis, please let me know. I’d love to hear you bullshit–er, talk about everybody whilst talking about “yourself”.
)
Sincerely,
JT
I was at Windsor Crossing when you spoke in St. Louis. I went with my wife and son who have read several of your books. I had never read any of your books. I don’t really read much. I enjoyed your talk so it made me curious. I began reading “Blue Like Jazz.” I am in chapter 11 . The book has really touched me and I identify with many of the things you say. I bought two more copies to give to my friends. I told my wife I wish I had read this book before I went to hear you speak. I would have loved to talk with you. Good job on the book, Brother. I hope to finish it tonight or tomorrow.
Catherine, I will be praying for you and your son. I am amazed at your story, your courage, and your perseverance. May God richly bless you for continuing to walk with Him and looking to Him for ultimate healing!
He says, “I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are sad and humble. I give new life to those who are humble and to those whose hearts are broken.” Isaiah 57:15
I know it’s true, because He has done it for me!
I have all of Don’s books…even signed. I would love to send them to you as a gift. If you would like my copies, they are all yours! Just click on my name and you can leave me a message and I will pop them in the mail.
In Him,
Shelly
My first book, a spiritual memoir, comes out in May, 2010. I wrote and edited and edited and wrote and workshopped and edited for more than two years. About two weeks ago the book “passed for press” which means that, other then copy edits, it is mostly out of my hands. The next morning I was surprised to wake with a pit in my stomach. “What the hell am I doing?” ran through my head like a mantra for two or three days. It’s not that I wasn’t thrilled to have completed it – but putting ones life “out there” is both wonderful and intimidating. Thanks for paving the way for us newbies…
Hey Don, It’s me, Catherine again. I’m the one who posted a couple of days ago telling you about my incestuous father, my recovery journey, and my desire to reunite with my sons again, and blah, blah, blah, on an on, as I tend to do. I just had to share a follow up since I know who have all the time in the world and are just waiting for me to tell you how my lunch with my youngest son went. Well, I’m here to tell you, it was the most transformative, healing, precious thing in the world. I tried my best not to be too preachy, since I hate that, and it turned out so well. We cried, well, he cried a little. He’s 29, we were in a public place, and you know, you gotta be a man! He said for the first time in such a long time, he believed everything I was saying. This went on for 2 1/2 hours! It was over the top great.
When I thought the time was right, I whipped out your book, Blue Like Jazz, to share with him, all the while saying to myself,
“Don’t be pushy, don’t be pushy…..Anyway, surprise! He has it on his nightstand. I couldn’t believe it. The healing that is taking place in my life is unbelievable. It’s just raining down on me. I swear, Jesus was sitting at the table with us! At the end, he hugged me so tightly and said, “It’s so good to have you back, Mom.” “I feel so much better about my life now just talking to you”. I am so filled with the Holy Spirit today and just praising God to the highest. Of course, to you Don. Everyone knows how I feel about you. I’m gonna say it, even though I know you’re self deprecating and probably humble. I know I’m testifyin’ to the max, but I don’t care. Miracles are everwhere.
It all happened when I was told Jesus was pursuing me and I stopped running and let Him catch me. It only took me 54 years, but I say, better late than never. If it can happen to me, it can absolutely happen to anyone. Enough already. Just had to share it with you on this glorious day. I’ve got my son back, and that means more than I can say!
Praise in Jesus’ name,
Catherine
Did you mean this one to be funny? These reasoning completely cracked me up.
5. Justification: I didn’t make myself, I’m not taking credit for my existence, so what’s the difference between talking about myself and talking about somebody else?
PS Some of us who have been reading your stuff already knew what your confessions and justifications might be and are completely happy with reading your work anyway.
Don, I just have one confession. I write because I want to be just like you. I think you’re amazing and I learn so much from reading your books & blogs. I write about myself generally because I’m processing life and I hope that by writing I’ll get one step closer to figuring things out. Also I hope that by sharing my inadequacies with others we’ll feel collectively closer as human beings. We are not alone.
I hope you’re having a great tour, although I’m so sad you won’t be in Fresno. I realize though that I need to share since I saw you at Fresno Pacific a year and a half ago. It was amazing! I love your new book, Don, well done and thank you!
Hi Catherine Miller, I just wanted to say that I read about your story the other day and I was thinking about you the past couple of days. I am so happy to hear that things went well with your son! I am praying for you and your family. Your story is so inspiring, I think you should write a book! All the best to you and yours! God is good!
Catherine,
That is great! So glad to hear things went so well. Thanks for sharing these things with us. Will be thinking of you and your sons, and sending some prayers up.
Sincerely,
Anna
Catherine Miller–I wanted to thank you for sharing, too. I have a really close friend who is stuck in a wretched story and sometimes I despair of his ever finding (or wanting to find) another one. Thanks for the reminder that real miracles do happen to real people.
Catherine…YAY!!!!
I am so happy for you and your son! I will continue to pray for you.
God IS so very good!
In Him,
Shelly
if you write songs and you write from the heart (and from your own experience) you end up with stuff a surprising number of people relate to considering its specificity, and which sounds more like psalms than you’d think.
Confession: One “trick” I picked up early on was the change the “I”s to “he”s in a lyric and it feels less self-centred.
Here is a slow, draggy song of mine: http://www.wikkidwebsite.com/sounds/songs_of_the_week/The_Wikkid_People-Someday.mp3
To All,
Yeah, this is Catherine again. I want to thank all who wrote such kind words of encouragement and praise. I couldn’t believe anybody really gave a crap about what I’m going through, let alone respond. (Even I get sick of my stories, but I’m living them). My first priority in my life is to get right with my sons.
Secondly, and probably a real big challenge right now is to finally take care of my very difficult living situation. I’m living with the man, the guy that I left my family for 20 years ago. We’ve used together, not used together, lived together, mostly not lived together, it’s been a total roller coaster. 3 years ago, I let him move in my house and that’s when I really fell apart. Someone “up there”, we all know who that is, told me not to do it. Well, to make a long story probably longer, I ignored the warning and here he is, still. He is a dogmatic, opinionated, close minded, occasionally very verbally abusive man, who read one esoteric, book by a now long dead Russian guy, Gurdjieff, and that became his Bible. For years and years now, this person is all I’ve heard about. Tried to read him, just could not get it. He’s a fanatic atheist, and all I hear about, all the time is how religion should be outlawed! It’s all a lie! Jesus is a hoax!
Good Lord! Well, I have shared with him only half, not even that, of the miracles that are happening everyday because he flips out everytime I talk to him. He smokes pot 24/7, always has, even though he’s 51, he still does, but I guess that’s not so unusual these days. You guys know much more about me than he does! Here’s the catch. Yes, he’s living in my house right now, but he pays the rent and I’m on disability. Soooo.,,,I have no money. My sons can’t stand him, my family can’t stand him,
he really hates my best friend who changed my life completely and brought me to the Lord. Get the picture? It is so over. Have to get him out of here, don’t want to face the significant rage he is going to go into, just want peace, so I can go my way and he can go on his way. In his pot smokin’ haze, he really does not want to know where I’m coming from. Forgivness for him just isn’t there for me right now. Too much convoluted history.
I need to get a part time job, to be independent again, and keep serenity in my life, before I lose it and strangle him! (just kidding, no need to call the authorities). See all you younguns
out there?! If you get the feeling somethin’ ain’t right, get the hell outta there! So, he’s isolated me from my family, any friends I might have had, etc. etc. ad nauseum. So, he’s the next fight I have to face, but I have confidence and so much support,
well, it’s all gonna work out for the best. Oh yeah, Shelly, my new BFF (yes I did do that, I’m not that old!) your an angel and know I much I appreciate you. Love all of you in His name,
Catherine
Hey Don,
Thanks for posting this. I’ve a firm believer that it’s counter-human to be vulnerable about yourself and admit, you’re NOT perfect, yet it is thievery to our humanity if we do not do this. Do you understand what I’m saying? I’m talking about a paradox here. One of the biggest paradoxes humanity can boast.
I got into a car accident last week. I’m a student that’s trying to get through university by playing piano and crocheting mittens, so any form of unexpected (and large!) amounts of money I have to shell out is freaking terrifying. But the people around me were so generous, and listened to my crankiness (which is a light way to word it). I found an anonymous note with $100 in it, which in the student-sized economy, is a LOT of money. A student must have given me that money. Some student out there made a sacrifice, or a generous dip into the pizza fund.
Confession: I am not generous. I claim that people should be generous, and patient and love others and that this will save the world, but I certainly contribute to the great crime. I’m a big ol’ hypocrite. Before that $250 car of mine got destroyed, if one of my friends was in a similar situation, the likelihood of me doing anything beyond saying, “I’ll pray for you” would be low. I have to rethink this massively! Holy crapcakes! Mercy has a way of smacking you on the head.
I’ll see you tonight at that thinger at UW. I might ask you to marry me, because my friends think I should, but in my defense…
Confession: I am VERY awkward almost all of the time, and say awkward things, almost all of the time. But people think it’s really funny, and honestly, it’s legitimately nothing personal. I’ve never even met you. I don’t know if you have a great personality. I really don’t think we’re meant to get married. But I will stop now, because I’m starting to sound reeeally awkward…
Maybe, Don, you should get back to hammering out the/a novel and stop writing about yourself.
All the best to you.
I must confess that I some of your confession, justifications and observations were almost identical to thoughts that I have in my mind! I have to confess that is a pretty cool thing because you know what they say about great minds…!
As a writer of songs,stories,love notes,etc, I am constantly thinking about what I want to write about and who I am in this world where I live. I’ve been consumed by such “odd” thoughts as long as I can remember. I say odd because it makes me feel special to think that most people don’t wander around seeing their life in the terms of “story”. But then I read your books, and I realize how special it is that at least one other person sees life kind of like I see it. As much as I know I am “different”, it is comforting to be different like other people who share traits and ideas with you. I have enough empty journals to write in and I’ve lived through enough full days that I’ve walked away empty from. I’m confessing that I am a writer, and that justifies my “oddness” and I have to share what I observe. Thanks for the encouragement and the picture that your books provide.
Thanks for coming to Waterloo Don. Still processing what you offered, yet simultaneously anxious that I’m forgetting more than what I’m remembering. Do you forsee a time when that talk is available to purchase?
Thanks for this – you make me feel less bored with my own talks about myself!
Al
You do a GREAT job “self-promoting” with a generous dose of humility. Saw you last night @ Flint on tour. Thoroughly enjoyed your sharing, and seriously, “A Million Miles…” is one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve read. I don’t “know” you, but I’ve seen you grow, change, stabilize as you’ve continually found inspiration and conflict in your life story. Thanks for biting the bullet, and putting yourself out there to encourage and inspire the rest of us!
Yikes! As a memoirist I’d be tickled pink with 65 city book tour.
And heck this is a good blog, how do you make a living giving it all away for free?
Scott
I’ve read all your books… & write about myself because of being constantly surrounded by people who take the words & lives of others much more seriously than their own & are thrown off by honesty!
I “do” get tired of myself – but believe that scripture that says “we overcome by the ‘word’ of our testimony”… so, it’s as if I’m “getting over” on others by talking about myself… good 1/”me”… & there I go & I’m over myself – once again!
Lastly, I talk about myself because living 55yrs “undercover” as a black woman is as interesting as it gets… & there are stories from growing up in Cleveland ghettos -to- my scenic balcony view in Vegas… & my adult children are tired of hearing about them – so… oh well… Confession: is that I love that I’ve found you Don & I give myself “cool points”! Okay talking over…
Hey Don. Your work inspires me. I’m a song writer and worship leader from California. Vineyard Music Group just released my latest collection of songs. I would love to mail you one as a thank you for being awesome. How can I best do that?
Well, if it’s any consolation, you’re still changing lives even when you’re bored with yourself. I went to hear you speak in PA, only with the intention of asking you to marry me during the question time…but turns out that some of the stuff you said really caught my attention in a deep way (narrative, conflict, all that). Maybe you could start adding a section of the speech that you do only for your own entertainment (like juggling)…then we’d hear the important stuff and you wouldn’t get so bored.
Hi Don,
Not sure why I’m writing this but it has nothing to do with your latest post, I should warn you. I’m usually too afraid to write to “stars” because well, why? You are in Oregon and I am here and, I guess I really don’t know. I think it’s because I’m living an epic right now and it ain’t so fun. I can relate to your latest book about utopia not being here. As a christian I’ve always known that but secretly hoped it was, you know? Don’t we all struggle with that?
The epic came to us–we did not seek it out. Well, I guess in some ways we have lived other ‘epics’ in the past. My dear husband/best friend is a church planter and you don’t get into that gig without epics coming your way. But what we thought was epic in the past is a pale mist now. Our son was paralyzed 6 months ago in a skiing accident, and our hearts are broken. How does one live this story? An epic we did not seek. I am shivery as I write this, because I am baring my heart a little in a public forum and that is weird. Living this epic that is so far from land and does not feel valiant is hard to explain. I guess I want to say thank you for another reminder of the feast to come in the real place I am heading for, where all will be redeemed once and for all. The bluebird flew away with our happiness tangled up in her feathers and we are aching–deeply. Words to describe this pain just don’t work. But we are understanding suffering better which helps us understand most of the world better and hopefully Jesus better and hopefully what is to come better.
Our story, or part of it is chronicled at:http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joshsorvik/journal
Keep writing books. Keep being real. And-thank you.
Hey Don!
Trying to track you down!
I met you briefly at your tour stop in York, PA – I’m the one who gave you my cd??
Just wanted to say that the new book is great – read it in 2 days (I’m stuffed!)
Amazing stuff and I’m totally on the same page.
Hope you liked the cd!
take care
s
Don-
This blog you just posted about self promotion is one of the reasons why I love reading what you write. Your honesty is so refreshing. I can relate to so much of it! I’m so glad some co-workers turned me on to your work. Can’t wait to hear you speak when you come to Naperville, IL this Friday. God Bless and take care! =O)
-Mary
When I wrote my book for single ladies, I asked God to validate my stories, to somehow show me if they were worth sharing, so that I would know I wasn’t being boring or narcissistic. He did. I think it must’ve been because He’s writing my story, and He’s happy to get the word out about how good and big He is. He’s the main character, after all, and the hero of my story.
Also, when we share our stories, we enter into a spiritual arena that is beyond writing for literary value. Rev. 11 says the saints overcome the evil one (lots of conflict and negative turns and inciting incidents in that story) by the Lamb’s blood–our hero–and our stories. wow. That He lets us enter into something so epic, so beyond us, is amazing–and exciting!
Don,
I’m reading your book and love it. I moderate the forum for my dearly departed friend, Blake Snyder, whose book you reference in your book. Read here where I recommend A Million Miles in a Thousand Years to over 1300 screenwriters:
http://savethecat.informe.com/viewtopic.php?p=15677#15677
By the way, you and Blake would have really liked each other.
Mike Rinaldi
I love your books and style. Writing is certainly a hard thing. Writing about yourself and perceptions feels cathartic, yet sometimes you ask yourself….Why? Why does anyone want to hear my voice…and, really, what is my voice anyway? I guess that is why I write, to find my voice. It is so easy to get lost inside our own skin. Writing helps me try to take what I feel and think, and express it with the belief that there is someone else feeling alone in their own skin, too. For instance, I have been reading your newest book, and completely understand how you felt when your relationship broke with going-to-Switzerland-girl. I’m going through divorce after a 23-year marriage, and so get where you were… the shock phase… the pain phase… and I’m sure the process of grief continued, because mine has. Reading about your struggle brought, “I feel you,” from my soul. That’s part of the point, I think.
Interesting. I was just wondering, after seeing you live and meeting you briefly: how one can write multiple books about themselves, work on a movie of a fictionalized version of themselves, go on a multi-month tour, have loads of people waiting to see you and escape a narcissistic collapse. It seems you have. After such a long time of speaking to you, 3o seconds at least, you seemed humble and others centric instead of egocentric! Good job with that! Way to be!
When I finally write my memoir that will hopefully make me rich enough to have a Franklin Lloyd Write(isq) house over looking the ocean on both coasts, and I’m jetting around in MY private jet (I’m thinking Harry Potter Series rich) – I’m going to endeavor to follow your example, and not get all narcissistic and selfish. Perhaps I won’t spend all my money on a charitable foundation as yourself, but I’ll at least try to tip well.
I like to explore the line between humor and suffering. I figure that one can either suffer miserably or find something to laugh about.
Don,
I do not know you but I was praying and felt that I needed to tell you to hang in there brother……So “Hang in there brother”
check out this song (Penelope by David Ramirez)
Don,
Thanks for the post. I am just starting to get into the whole social media experience, though I have been dragged there kicking and screaming. I am a terrible self-promoter more because I feel awkward and imposing when I attempt it. But I have found that when I am passionate about something, I love to share it with people – to proselytize even (as horrible as that may sound)!
I grew up with an old school way of thinking – we are called to share our testimony with those we meet – to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us. (1Peter 3:15) That requires us to talk about our story. Paul told the Philippians all of his accomplishments to prove a point – it meant nothing compared to knowing Christ – both the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings (Phil 3).
We have an incredible opportunity to share our story with a vast audience through this new form of media, but by sharing, I pray that my motivation will always be to point people to the One who makes my story worth telling!
David
Don, I just want to thank you for trying to live a better story, and just not sucking at life in general, im glad that you exist, and in all honesty i really wish to meet you some day.
We can paddle down a river, smoke, and talk about God and eat lots of chocolate, and soon after ill take you Dennys in my home town and we’ll have a cup of coffee. But i was actually considering just having a Die Hard marathon at my house, or we could watch all the Rocky Movies (except for 5, that one blows)
Gunnar Nielssen Lewis Nedreberg
Be blessed my brother in christ, i hope to break bread with you in heaven someday
Hi Gunnar! Weird to see you around the web like this.
Oh, and hi Don. Great thoughts as always. Many blessings on your progeny.
The thing about sharing ourselves, though, is that it’s a form of giving. Sharing doesn’t come as easily to one who has the mark of narcissism.
While you may not remember many of the faces you meet, although they’ll remember you, you will have given the gift of sharing yourself in a way that few are able to, enabling a teacher, for example, to hang up a page on the new bulletin board collage of her students’ work (students who are categorized as the lowest achieving in the district) that says: “Students, the world needs you to keep writing beautiful stories” and it will be signed by a New York Times Best Selling author just for them, the forgotten queen city students, because that author took a moment to share with faces he may never see again until Heaven.
The teacher listening to the author speak might have also been given reason to smile, as she stood outside the doorway listening to the author of the book she read at the point in her life when her character wanted something, but then had to face that conflict ; she’ll remember and make connections and the sharing will have meaning that, perhaps, only she and the Great Artist of life will understand.
So, thank you for taking time out to share your life. I, personally, grow the most when others talk about what they’ve learned from experieces the Artist of life has provided them.
Hey Don! Saw you in Bloomington last night. You were so great, and I’m so thank ful that you still kept the engagement even though you had the flu.
I don’t know if you’ll see this, or if you’ll be able to grant this favor. But I’m going to ask anyway. About a week ago, I saw this news story: http://www.theindychannel.com/news/21397351/detail.html
I saw this kid in an interview (here’s a link to the interview I watched: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oY3Y7b7d0U) and instantly felt this nudge to send him your book.
I tend to be fvors justice over mercy- I love it when the “bad guy” gets caught and the good guy wins. But this story made me really hope that the “bad guy” might be able to win too.
He definitely needs to know he can write a better story for himself and it seems to me, that he has just had a blockbuster movie inciting incident. So, I’m planning to follow through on that nudge and send him the book. I picked up a signed copy for him last night. The favor is, if you have a moment to write a note to Greg Smith and send it via email, I’ll print it out and put it in the book for him. I don’t even know if you’ll see this comment in time, but wanted to ask anyway.
Either way, your book has definitely inspired me to think about the story I’m writing in my life. So, I’ll just finish with a big THANK YOU!