Connected in Story: Chapter Six

In which our friends carry us through….

We’ve journeyed six weeks into Lent together. Six weeks to tell our stories and to walk with Jesus. Six weeks of Lent to tell our truths and to see the ways that our story fits into The Story God has been telling since the beginning of time. The Story - full of joy and pain, full of sacrifice and redemption. We have peered through the lens of the stories I have loved throughout my life, simple stories that remind us of profound truth.

Winnie the Pooh reminds us that community is where we live out our story. Anne of Green Gables helps us find home within community and within ourselves. Harry Potter shows us the power of ordinary people living their heroic stories. Star Wars helps us find connection in something bigger than ourselves. And the Velveteen Rabbit taught us that even when life leaves us shabby and worn, we can be authentic and loved by those who understand our story.

This week, we are traveling to Middle Earth because a ring has been found that threatens all of creation.

Now I must be truthful here: I saw the movies before I read the book - almost unheard of for me. I am a strong believer that the book is always better - always. But I fell in love with this story because of the spectacular beauty in the movies. I did read and enjoy this book, but it is a little bit of a commitment. The 50th anniversary edition is one volume of 1178 pages.

For those of you who may not have read the 455,125 words, The Lord of the Rings, written by JRR Tolkien, is an epic story of heroism, friendship and sacrifice. A young Hobbit named Frodo Baggins is tasked with destroying the One Ring in the Fires of Mount Doom where it was forged. Powerful forces are unrelentingly searching for The Ring, but Frodo is surrounded by 8 companions to help him in the journey. One friend in particular, Samwise Gamgee is loyal and compassionate and vows to stay with Frodo no matter what. The Ring takes its toll on the Fellowship and on Frodo and Sam. At the end of the journey, when Frodo can’t find the strength to go on, it is Sam who holds Frodo and the mission together.

“Come on Mr Frodo!” He cried. “I can’t carry it (the Ring) for you, but I can carry you.”

And Sam literally carries Frodo the rest of the way up the mountain. This is a true picture of our closest relationships. When we literally have no strength left, when we cannot see the way through, God gives us faithful companions to carry us and our broken dreams.

We are not created for isolation. We are made for relationships. Yes, relationships are challenging and vulnerable, but they are essential. One thing the stories I have shared throughout Lent have in common is the relationships that enrich the lives of those who tell their stories.

Pooh has Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, Kanga and Roo - and of course Christopher Robin.

Anne has Diana, her bosom friend.

Harry Potter has Ron and Hermione.

Han Solo has Luke and Leia and Chewbacca.

The Velveteen Rabbit has the Boy and the Skin Horse.

And Frodo? Frodo has dear Sam. Sam, who refuses to leave his side. Sam, who leaves behind the safety of the Shire to help him reach his destination. Sam, who looks after Frodo and defends him against some pretty terrifying creatures. Sam, who carries Frodo up Mount Doom when there is no other way.

Please nurture your deepest relationships. Find your tribe and love them hard. Risk your carefully guarded heart and be authentic. Pour into your people and let them pour into you.

For me, I have people who have guarded my heart and carried me when I had no strength left. They have seen possibilities and helped me dream. They believe in me and hope with me and cry with me and celebrate transformation in me.

This is what we are meant for - love and belonging and authenticity. Jesus modeled this for us while he was here on earth. He had a crowd of followers, but he also had a group of twelve men, a group of women who loved and followed him faithfully, and a small group of three, who he trusted to go with him to the garden.

I am so grateful for Caleb and Cole and Jack and Sandy. For Mary, Jared, Jackson, Andy, April, Abbey, Drew, Kate, Lisa, and Tommy. For Belinda and Carol and Allison and Denise. These are my people and I need them. I depend on them, and they believe in me. I am a better human because they are in my life, in my corner cheering me on and doing life with me.

Who are your people? Name them here and thank them today.