Defining Moments

In the original “Star Wars,” when Luke realizes Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru have been killed, he moves forward with a much different future than he had envisioned. In that moment his life is changed -- forever.  What makes story such a powerful means of communication?  Compelling stories work their way past our minds into our hearts. They communicate a type of character to which we are drawn or from which we are driven -- based upon our values.  That character is revealed in defining moments like the one Luke faced. Defining moments spark an instant paradigm shift. However, I suspect for most of us our defining moments are less dramatic, but no less important. The right story at the right time can alter the trajectory of our lives. 


The story God writes in our hearts and lives often marks the intersection of adventure and wisdom, of daring and commitment.  My desire is to help people identify these stories and pass them on to a growing generation who does not believe in their hearts Beaver’s description of Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia,

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. “Don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the king I tell you.”

I want to tell stories in a way that moves beyond one’s mind and reaches the heart. Meeting the King is a defining moment for anyone. Using the power of story to communicate the character of God and His influence in our lives marks a defining moment for all of us. What are the defining moments in your life? How did it change you? Leave a comment below and let’s build a community powered by our own stories.