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Knowing a person starts from listening to his/her story

I was touched by many true stories shared by people through StoryCorps, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect all people through sharing their stories. During research and writing the news about the recent Live event of StoryCorps in St. Paul, I came across a story that a 10-year-old son talked with his mom about the shooting drill besides fire drill and tornado drill at school (see Note).

The boy said he would like to sacrifice his life for his classmates. His mom felt sad and wanted to persuade her son to consider his young life and come home safe for the sake of family. However, the boy said he understood the mom’s feeling but he has to make a choice for his life.

This boy reminds me of Jesus. I imagined how Mary, Jesus’ earthly mother, felt when sinless Jesus Christ needed to die on the cross for saving the sinners in the world. Jesus Christ came to show the world the love of restoration and reconciliation from God.

Sharing stories brings understanding. Listening to stories brings healing. How about spending some time to listen to your beloved one’s story or a stranger’s story? How about taking a chance to listen to the story Jesus Christ wanted to tell the world thousands years ago through the Bible? And make a choice for your life.

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

I pray that all our kids’ schools never have the shooting incidents happen again. God, Lord, only You can foresee the big picture for our lives. You know what we are going through and You endure with us to accomplish the bigger goals for our lives in eternity. Oh, Lord, may Your peace rule over our hearts to come through all the struggle and turbulence in this earthly life.

Note: https://www.npr.org/2018/03/22/595820780/there-is-no-handbook-for-this-a-mother-and-son-talk-about-school-shootings

 

About Manling Chen

Manling was born and grew up in Taiwan. She came with her husband and 2-year-old son to New York, NY, at age 30 to fulfill her dream of studying in the graduate school. She received a black belt in Taekwendo at age 40 and has been applying the Bible truth and discipline learned in the martial art to fight in her faith as a spiritual warrior. She works with God to write and is currently a freelance reporter for a national Chinese newspaper and writer based in Minnesota. Much of her writing is in the areas of spiritual learning, Bible study, parenting, education, Sunday school, opinions, interviews, and people's stories, etc.

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2 comments

  1. Such a challenging situation children are having to face at a young age. Hard to even grasp this reality for those going to school for an education wondering if such an act will be awaiting them. What a position they have to grapple with when life and death are becoming a focal point with each day they leave home for school. This should not be what growing up is about even questioning as to whether they will. Going to school can be frightening for many and hard to learn under those circumstances.
    This article was painful to think about as a parent. The thought of such violence can make life difficult for many families who are trying to lead a normal life.
    Our only hope and peace is found in the Prince of Peace, Yeshua. Grateful for His faithfulness and a very present help.
    Thank you for your artistic and labor for the King. Bless you.

    • Amen. May God lead us to continue praying for the next generations to walk in Jesus Christ’s light. Thanks for your encouragement!

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