Blessing Endurance: Stories from the Wise

By: Brooke Brown

Summer has always been a great time for families to make memories together. Perhaps you remember all the laughter during those rambunctious family reunions, or backyard food fights at Independence Day BBQs or posing for silly photos in your mouse ears at Disneyland? Gatherings like these can also be a wonderful opportunity to capture your parents or grandparents stories as a way to further the Blessing for them and you.

No matter who they are, we can learn from their experiences and better understand who we are from knowing where they’ve been. I believe every caring parent wants to leave a legacy for their children and future generations of their family. As the child, doing this type of project will also give you a chance to relate to your parents and grandparents as well-rounded people, instead of just “Mom and Dad,” etc.

My mom’s side of the family agrees that I’m most like my grandma Geneva, in our appearances, demeanors, desire to help others, and strong faith. I’m sad that I never really got to know her, as she had Dementia during my childhood and passed away when I was 9.

But, I feel blessed that I share her spirit. My mom still misses her mother and often says it’s a sweet reminder to see her character in me. That’s why I always encourage my friends to listen to their grandparents’ stories. It is an excellent bonding experience. It’s a wonderful way to honor their lives, as well. As the Bible says in Proverbs 17:6, “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children."

Don’t worry if you’re not interested in writing something, though. There are many ways to share a story. You can create a captivating story with a photo slideshow, photo book, making audio/video recordings or keepsake boxes, as well as writing. Whatever form you choose to give your parents’ story, here are a few things to think about:

• Make the process enjoyable. Capturing your parents and/or grandparents story shouldn't feel like work. It’s a chance to deepen your relationship. Take notes or go through old photos over coffee. Record your conversations while going on walks or during any activity you both enjoy. Laugh together, cry together, ask thoughtful questions and really listen to the answers. Think of this time together as your own Tuesdays with Morrie
• Collect pearls of wisdom. The story you create shouldn't just be a history report. It should reveal the important things in your parents’ hearts. Focus on their words of advice, lessons learned, anything they want to pass on. This project is all about their legacy of love.
• Be willing to share. The final project should be enjoyed by your entire family, anyone your parents/grandparents have touched and future generations. It will be a celebration of who they are and the impact they’ve made for the Kingdom.

 Learn more about Brooke by clicking here.

Brooke Brown is the Communication Specialist at StrongFamilies. As an honors graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU and a recipient of the Walter Cronkite Outstanding Undergraduate Award, storytelling runs in her blood. She is the author of The Little Butterfly Girl, ADAPT (devotional), and the Transforming the Heart of YOUR Story workbook.