There are many fascinating narratives about so many different topics. But there is one narrative that is continually being narrated…
Welcome dear friend, I have a tray of delights ready for our tea time in the garden as we enjoy our beautiful sunny weather here in Australia.
The Little Wattle birds are back busy making their nests & squawking their squawk.
Now we’re seated, enjoying our cuppa, shall we reflect upon what narratives actually are & how much influence they have upon our lives?
Narratives
Narratives are simply story telling.
When I was a child I was introduced to the wonderful world of books by my Uncle who was a Senior High School Educator for the Deaf community. I loved reading books & being transported to the fascinating worlds within their pages.
Throughout the years as a Mama & Grandmama I have read many stories to my daughters & grandchildren… as shared in Little Miss L.
And as a writer I continually formulate narratives from the everyday world around me. Many are shared here with you in our times of reflection together.
But today I thought we would reflect upon the narrative within. That narrative that we continually tell & retell ourselves, the one that is in continual motion.
Internal narrative development
This internal narrative often captivates many of our thoughts & long held beliefs on life that we quite often are unaware of until they’re challenged.
We develop our inner narrative through the lens of our family & cultural background, childhood experiences, core beliefs & moral compass.
Then as we go through life, various circumstances we experience will either confirm or challenge that inner narrative.
However, our inner narrative may not always be true, as we can have a false narrative as our inner truth.
Let me personalize this for you…
I was recently challenged with the following questions in a Bible study;
- How do you see God?
- What is your personal narrative about God’s love for you?
I set about reflecting upon these questions. As I have a very loving Dad in this life to see God as my Heavenly Father in a loving, fair & just way is easy for me.
Please Note: I do realize this is not always the case for everyone & it may be quite challenging if you did not have a loving Dad growing up to see God in this light.
So, my personal narrative of God is that He is caring, loving & protective who only wants the best for me.
Challenging our inner narrative
Then came the following questions…
- Was there an expectation or perception when growing up, in having to earn love through your accomplishments, merit or standard of behavior?
- Does your inner narrative of God have these same perceptions in having to earn His love through what you do for Him?
Hmmm! That stopped me in my tracks! These were very thought provoking & challenging questions indeed.
On reflection;
There was a standard of excellence in our family. So I had to ask myself the following question; am I doing to gain God’s love instead of being in His love?
Then this week another question really stood out;
What is your inner narrative about God’s love for you in your present circumstances?
Hmmm! Very thought provoking indeed! As I have chronic health conditions, one being chronic pain, I needed to ponder this for a while. However, my thoughts kept coming back to my expereince with God in His promises.
You see no matter the circumstances we face or pass through God has promised never to leave nor forsake us & I can wholeheartedly attest that He has never left nor forsaken me through this season or any other season in my life! And I’ve been through some very tough seasons, as shared in I go to prepare a place for you.
He has said, “I WILL NEVER [under any circumstances]
DESERT YOU [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless],
NOR WILL I FORSAKE or LET YOU DOWN
or RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU [assuredly not]!”
Hebrews 13: 5 AMP
Thus I invite you to join me in reflecting on your inner narrative using the following questions as a catalyst dear friend;
What is your inner narrative? Does it contain truth or are there some falsehoods?
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or in Prayer
© 2019 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog, photo © Jennifer, All Rights Reserved.
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Dear Jennifer,
I started a new e-course recently that is also asking me to allow God to show me the hidden inner parts of my heart. I was surprised by some un-truths that I had been holding onto, things that stood in direct opposition to the all sufficient power of my Lord. I am so grateful that He cleanses us anew, so that we can see with eyes that have His clear perspective, and His own Words from Scripture. Thank you for posting these insightful questions today! Blessings to you!
His grace is so amazing isn’t it Bettie! Lovely having you here dear friend 🙂
Wow! definitely thought provoking questions 🙂 Are my inner narratives true about God? I will be taking stock of these questions
Hi Brenda, they are poignant aren’t they, definitely food for reflection.
Amen 🙏🏽
I think it is only when we recognize the stories we hold as these inner narratives that they have a chance to change through God’s active grace. Otherwise they keep us captive if they are toxic ones.
Yes, I agree Elizabeth, God’s grace is the catalyst for change…
Very thought provoking! I used to have a jacaranda! They are so pretty🌸 Wishing you a lovely weekend.
Hi Mishka, thank you , they are breathtakingly beautiful in flower…hoping you’re having a better day today 😀
These are some very thought-provoking questions Jennifer. As you said, our experiences, past and present, have a lot to do with shaping our narratives and can often distort our perceptions…. I think I’ll take some time to reflect on these questions also. Blessings to you!
Yes, I agree Terri 😀
I was just reading some research on our thinking process–and the way our brains change according to our thinking habits. They called it neuroplasticity, and the good narratives were labeled a “growth mindset.” I really like that!
Yes, Neuroplasticity research & practice has come from observing those with Acquired Brain Injuries & how their neurological circuitry rerouted itself. Which it continually does on many things…
Thought provoking questions about our inner narrative. I have a loving earthly father, so accepting the love of my Heavenly Father has not been difficult. My hubby had the opposite of an earthly father. I will be looking forward to your answers, Jennifer.
Thank you Pam, they are very thought provoking aren’t they…
I love this! I definitely want to take some time to journal about these questions. How we live in relation to what we think we believe often is quite surprising. How did you come upon these questions? Soul-searching like this is so helpful to understanding our faith and opens the door to knowing the Lord more and in a deeper way. We also see the lies we believe, and can seek Truth to counteract them. Thanks so much for sharing! Great post!
Thank you Cheryl, I have paraphrased them from a fellowship study we are doing at the moment. 😀
Sounds like an amazing study!!
Very thought provoking that’s for sure !
A very thought provoking post indeed Jennifer. I shall go away and give your questions some time to percolate…
Yes, I am still reflecting too Brigid 😀
Very thought provoking post Jennifer! My inner narritive is being seriously challenged by how I am being treated as an employee of The Department of Education and it brings me to a place of deep reflection and my only option is openness to the power of the Universe to guide me in the best use of my short life in the preservation and empowerment of myself and the drive I have to see all those I interact with have the best opportunity to flourish. Le grà, Marie xx
Hi Marie,
I’m saddened to hear you are not being treated well, that is not okay.
But I am gladdened to read that you are reflecting upon your options & protecting others in your care in the process…♥