Tag: Storytelling

Posted in joyful-echoes, Storytelling

A Girl named Emme

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

there was a young woman named Emme who found herself sitting underneath the beautiful cherry blossom tree in Washington DC. Emme was a disabled young woman due to her joint pain, and she often felt lost and unsure of what to do with her life.

As she sat there, she prayed and searched her heart for guidance. Suddenly, she felt a strong sense of purpose. She realized that she wanted to be an advocate for others with disabilities, to help them overcome their challenges and live a fulfilling life.

Emme began to research and learn as much as she could about advocacy, connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations. However, she still felt unsure at times if she was on the right path.

One day, as she was sitting under the cherry blossom tree, she heard a quiet voice in her heart. It was the Lord speaking to her, reminding her of her purpose and encouraging her to continue on her journey.

With renewed determination, Emily worked hard to make a difference in the lives of those with disabilities. She became a powerful voice for change, fighting for equal rights and opportunities for all.

And as she continued to work tirelessly, Emily found that her own pain and struggles had given her a unique perspective and strength that she could use to help others. Her advocacy work brought fulfillment and joy to her life, and she knew that she was making a meaningful impact in the world.

Years later, when Emily returned to the cherry blossom tree, she felt a deep sense of gratitude for the guidance she had received, and the opportunities she had been given. She knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be, thanks to the power of faith and listening to her heart.

Posted in Faith, joyful-echoes, Ministry, Storytelling

Siblings Sent to America ( 1896)

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In 1896 in a small town in Germany, there lived a young girl and boy who were brother and sister. They came from a very poor family and had struggled to make ends meet for as long as they could remember. One day, their parents had to make a tough decision to send them to the United States with their aunt and uncle, while the oldest two siblings stayed back to work on the family farm.

The young siblings were heartbroken and felt abandoned by their family. They didn’t understand why they had to leave and why their family couldn’t afford to keep them all together. They feared that they were not loved and their sadness was overwhelming.

Upon arriving in the United States, the young siblings were taken in by their aunt and uncle, but they still felt alone and isolated. Months went by and they barely spoke to anyone outside their relatives’ home. However, their quiet and lonely lives soon changed when they met a Baptist minister and his wife who lived on the same street.

At first, the siblings were hesitant to speak with the couple, fearing they might be judged or rejected. But the preacher and his wife kept trying to reach out to them, inviting them over for tea and encouraging them to share their stories.

Eventually, the young siblings warmed up to the minister and his wife and began to share their stories of sadness and pain. The preacher and his wife listened intently and offered comfort and kindness, becoming a source of support for the siblings.

Although they still missed their family dearly, the young siblings found solace in the company of the minister and his wife. They felt a sense of belonging and were grateful for the love that they were shown, even in the midst of such disparity.

In time, their hearts healed, and they became resilient and strong. They never forgot the kind couple who had shown them compassion and kindness when they needed it the most. And even though they still faced challenges in their lives, they were forever grateful for the love that had been shown to them, and they knew that they were never truly alone.

As the siblings grew older and became successful in their own careers, they never forgot the kindness and generosity of their aunt and uncle who had taken them in and cared for them as their own children. They always made it a point to send money back home to their family and visit them whenever they could.

Eventually, the siblings found partners,married and had children of their own and continued the tradition of visiting their family in Germany and helping out on the family farm. They wanted their children to understand the importance of family and showing love and kindness to others.

When the Baptist minister who had taken them under his wing fell ill, the siblings rushed to be by his wife’s side and expressed their gratitude and love for the couple who had shown them so much kindness over the years. They wanted them to know how much they had impacted their lives and that their kindness had not gone unnoticed.

In the end, the siblings realized that the love and kindness that had been shown to them as children was not just because they couldn’t be cared for, but rather out of love and compassion. And so, they vowed to continue spreading kindness wherever they went, knowing that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.

Posted in Faith, Storytelling, support groups, 12 step

Eat to Live vs Live to Eat

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

There was a young woman named Emily. As a child, she found comfort in sugary treats and junk food, which her parents would often give her as a reward or to console her during difficult times.

As Emily grew older, her love for food only intensified. She would binge-eat late at night whenever she felt stressed or overwhelmed, causing her to gain an unhealthy amount of weight.

Emily tried to change her habits on her own, but her addiction to food seemed too strong to overcome. That’s when she decided to join a support group for people struggling with food addiction.

At first, Emily was hesitant to share her story with the group. But as she listened to others’ experiences and shared her own, she began to realize that she wasn’t alone in her struggles.

Through counseling and group therapy, and believing in a power greater than herself Emily learned to address the underlying emotional issues that had led to her addiction. She also discovered healthier ways to cope with stress and anxiety, such as taking walks or practicing yoga.

Over time, Emily’s relationship with food became less toxic. She learned to enjoy meals in moderation and started exploring new, healthy recipes that she loved.

Emily’s journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. By facing her addiction head-on and seeking help, she was finally able to break free from the cycle of food addiction and find a happier, healthier life.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Storytelling

Joe the Junkyard Dog

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Once upon a time, there was a lonely old dog named Joe who spent his days in a junkyard, searching for scraps of food to eat and a place to rest his head. He had never known what it was like to have a loving family, but he always dreamed of having someone to care for him.

One day, Joe stumbled upon a group of well-groomed dogs who looked at him with fear and apprehension. But as Joe approached them, he reassured them that he didn’t mean any harm. They began talking to him about what it was like to be loved by a human, and Joe’s heart filled with longing.

Then one day, a family spotted Joe wandering along the road, looking lost and hungry. They scooped him up and took him home, where they gave him a warm meal, a cozy bed, and all the love he could ever want.

At first, Joe was afraid of the bathtub, but with gentle reassurance, the family convinced him to take a bath. Afterwards, Joe felt like a brand new dog – he stood taller, felt prouder, and most importantly, felt loved! He forgot how beautiful his fur was blonde and tan and wow so shiny.

The moral of this story? Love can come from the most unexpected places, and when we open our hearts to one another, we can create a bond that will last forever.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Storytelling

The Story of a Muslim Girl

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Once, there was a young Muslim girl named Farah. She had always been self-conscious about her nose and felt like it was a barrier to finding love, sometimes she was made fun of because it was larger than average. She drew pictures and painted to help with her self esteem. She was very talented.

Her parents insisted she focus on her studies She was also experiencing anxiety because there was so much talk about the Muslim faith and community after 911, so much violence towards them she was afraid to tell anyone.

She was sad because dating was really not an option because she felt if she met a nice man her parents would disapprove.

She had a growing passion for art and it helped her relax. She was approached by several places to show her art and her parents would not allow it. Education was to be her main focus.

A couple years had passed by and she was almost finished with college when her parents came to her and advised her that her father arranged for her to marry someone she already knew, Farah was very torn. She didn’t want to disappoint her family, but she also didn’t want to settle for a life she didn’t truly desire.

Despite her reservations, Farah trusted her father’s judgment and went ahead with the marriage. To her surprise, it ended up being a wonderful thing in her life. Her husband, Ahmed, turned out to be incredibly understanding and supportive, and he loved her for who she was, flaws and all.

They did have many things in common. The love of travel and helping in the community. He was a surgeon and she was studying to be a pediatrician.

He complimented her regularly and shown her much respect. He never spoke harsh to her.

With Ahmed by her side, Farah gained confidence in herself and her abilities. She pursued her passion for art and even started a social media account to showcase her work. Through her art and her words, Farah became a role model for other young Muslim girls who were struggling with self-esteem issues. She was a brilliant pediatrician and also a very talented artist.

Looking back, Farah was grateful for her father’s decision to arrange her marriage. It brought her closer to the person she was truly meant to be and allowed her to find true happiness and fulfillment inher life.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Storytelling

Speedy The Toy Car

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Speedy was feeling down about his small size compared to the other toy cars. He confided in his friend Crusty the Dump Truck, who had always been a great listener. “Why can’t I be bigger and faster like the others?” Speedy asked.

Crusty smiled and replied, “Just because you’re small doesn’t mean you’re not important. You bring joy to children with your speed and agility, and that’s something to be proud of. Remember, being an individual means accepting yourself for who you are and making the most of your unique talents.”

Speedy realized that Crusty was right – he didn’t need to be anything else but himself. From that day on, he embraced his small size and raced with even more joy and energy than before. He may not have been the biggest or the fastest, but he was one-of-a-kind, and that was something special.

The Bible reminds us in Psalm 139:14, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” We are each fearfully and wonderfully made by God, with our own strengths and weaknesses. Accepting ourselves for who we are allows us to fully appreciate the unique person God has created us to be.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Storytelling

Charlie the Butterfly

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Once, there was a caterpillar named Charlie who lived in a garden filled with vibrant flowers and tall trees. Charlie had always dreamed of flying like the birds he saw in the sky, but he knew that he was a mere caterpillar and couldn’t change that.

One day, an angel appeared before Charlie and said, “Do not be afraid of change, my friend. For soon, you will transform into something beautiful and free.” Charlie didn’t quite understand what the angel meant, but he trusted the angel’s words and waited patiently.

Days turned to weeks, and before Charlie knew it, he felt a sudden urge to spin himself a cocoon. It felt strange and scary, but Charlie remembered the angel’s words and pushed through it. He wrapped himself tightly in the cocoon, not knowing what would happen next.

After what seemed like an eternity, Charlie felt his body shifting and stretching. Suddenly, he burst out of the cocoon and found himself transformed into a stunning butterfly. He spread his wings and flew around the garden, marveling at the world around him. He couldn’t believe how different everything looked from up above.

As he flew around, Charlie realized that the angel had been right all along. Change wasn’t scary at all, it was beautiful and transformative. He felt grateful for the angel’s words of wisdom, which had given him the courage to spread his wings and fly.

From that day on, Charlie spent his days fluttering around the garden, surrounded by other beautiful butterflies. They danced together in the sun, reveling in their newfound freedom and the beauty of transformation. And Charlie knew that he had truly found his place in the world.

Before Charlie transformed into a butterfly, an angel visited him and spoke words of encouragement. This reminds me of a verse from the book of Isaiah that says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Just as Charlie was able to soar on wings after his transformation, we too can find strength and courage through our faith. When we put our hope in the Lord, He renews us, and we can overcome ourfears and challenges.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Ministry, Storytelling

They Started a Mother & Daughter Ministry

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

The story of a woman who has faced unimaginable loss and grief, yet found peace and purpose through faith in Jesus, is a testament to the power of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. This retired woman, whose three children had all passed away before her, was left feeling overwhelmed and lost, struggling to find a way out of the deep sadness that had taken hold of her.

But then, by chance, she stumbled upon a TV preacher who spoke directly to her heart, offering a message of hope and redemption that resonated deeply. She started tuning into this show every day, finding solace in the wisdom and guidance it provided. And slowly but surely, her spirits began to lift.

As she shared this newfound source of comfort with her daughter, they both found a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. Together, they embarked on a journey of faith and healing, becoming born again and starting a mother-daughter ministry that would touch countless lives.

Through their own struggles with depression and grief, this woman and her daughter have embodied the transformative power of faith in God. Though life may deal us unexpected blows, they remind us that we are never alone, and that there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Their story serves as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the light of faith can guide us towards a more hopeful and fulfilling future. May weall have the courage and strength to follow in their inspiring footsteps.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Storytelling

A Boy Named Arjun.

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Let me tell you a story about a young boy named Arjun.

Arjun was born into a Hindu family but never really felt connected to his heritage or religion. He found the rituals and traditions boring and often scoffed at his family’s beliefs. However, everything changed when a devastating earthquake struck their city, and Arjun lost some of his family members in the disaster. Suddenly, he found himself only with a few surviving family members, and his world was turned upside down.

Feeling lost and alone, Arjun turned to his religion for solace. He began to read the sacred texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, which gave him a newfound understanding and appreciation for his heritage. He started practicing yoga and meditation, finding peace and calm within himself.

As he delved deeper into his religion, he discovered the importance of compassion and service to others. Arjun began volunteering at local shelters and organizing fundraisers for the earthquake victims, which not only helped others but also gave him a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Through his struggles and newfound faith, Arjun realized the true value of his heritage and religion. He learned that they could be a source of strength and comfort in difficult times and a beacon of hope for a brighter future. And so, Arjun continued on his spiritual journey, embracing his heritage and sharing his newfound wisdom with those around him.

Posted in community, joyful-echoes, Storytelling

Jane’s Life Changed After She Found Help at a Food Bank

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Jane’s Life Changed After She Found Help at a Food Bank

Jane was just an ordinary person working at a local store until she started experiencing severe pain in her bones and joints. She was only 40 Eventually, she was diagnosed with a medical condition that prevented her from working and landed her on disability. Living on a fixed income was tough, and she could barely make ends meet. She dressed up every day as if she were going to work. Becoming disabled was hard for her to accept at first.

One day, Jane decided to visit a local food bank for help, and it changed her life. The people there were kind and welcoming, providing her with the food she needed and good conversations. As time went on, Jane became a regular visitor to the food bank. She enjoyed talking to the people at the food-bank..

However, after a few months of being a regular, Jane didn’t show up. The volunteers at the food bank began to worry and decided to check up on her. When they arrived at her home, they found her lying on the floor. It turned out that she had been there for days, and no one knew because her kids lived in another state, and she had no one else to rely on. Her cell phone flew across the room when she fell and also came apart.

She dislocated a hip and had to go to the hospital and she was there for several days and people at the food bank even came to visit her.

Fortunately, Jane survived, and her experience made her more grateful for the kindness shown to her by the food bank volunteers. In fact, she was so grateful that she decided to join a local church and found a new purpose Bd also helped at the food bank There, she met new friends and became more involved in her community.

Jane’s life changed for the better after finding help at a local food bank. It not only provided her with food but also with a sense of belonging and hope. Her story shows how important it is to have people in our lives who are willing to lend a helping hand, especially during difficult times.