Edward Miller, an American-born author and illustrator of children’s books once remarked: “Stories are our primary tools of learning and teaching, the repositories of our lore and legends. They bring order into our confusing world. Think about how many times a day you use stories to pass along data, insights, memories or common-sense advice.” Philippians 4:8 reminds us: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Storytelling is defined as the activity of writing, telling, or reading stories. It is considered the physical or in-depth art of narration through words specifically detailing a particular circumstance or situation. Stories have existed, or been formed, in various guises, for thousands of years, they may be considered fictional or factual, humorous or sad, purposeful or aimless. Many children first encounter the initial benefits of stories at bedtime, from a young age. Some are both traditional and often meaningful. Many youngsters come to rely upon them for the necessary calmness or peace in readiness for slumber.
Jesus often told stories to emphasize important points. The parables of Christ are often apprised for teaching purposes, as apologues are inclined to be more easily understood. The simplification of each allegorical narrative allowed difficult, but profound truths or morals to be conveyed and easily remembered. Each comparison referred to many quotidian situations, in such a way that they would become more meaningful. Matthew 13:10-17 reminds us: “Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”
Stories are an effective means of communication. They are often considered a fundamental part of humanity. They allow one to share an experience, knowledge or set of circumstances previously encountered with another, in an often interesting or sometimes emotional way. They may disclose feeling, strength of character or even fear in the narrative which may enhance the intentional effect of the ingredients. In life, there are both good storytellers and bad, some have a natural and interesting way of conveying any story well, which automatically commands attention and an unmediated connection with others. Jesus was predisposed to this effective art of narration. However, the important ingredient in any story told, should wherever possible, always be accuracy or truth.
Jesus was truth. Ephesians 4:15 reminds us: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Truth, in life, is extremely important. If people are wrongfully led to believe that certain ideals are true, and adapt their lives accordingly, then life itself can become false or unreal. When life becomes false, it has no purpose. If there is no purpose to life, then life has no meaning and significant problems may occur. John 14:1-6 reminds us: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Fictional tales often require imagination and vision to write well and create a lasting effect. They may be based on real-life events that have been adapted or disguised into anecdotes that reveal the real truth. However, the chronicles of life which often record a person’s efforts or achievements over a particular timespan need more careful thought and construction. Ava DuVernay, an American film-maker and screenwriter once remarked: “In documentaries, there's a truth that unfolds unnaturally, and you get to chronicle it. In narratives, you have to create the situations so that the truth will come out.”
The word of God is essentially about truth and goodness. The parable of the sower reflects goodness in the heart. If the seeds of goodness are planted within us, then we are capable of producing truth and rectitude. Matthew 13:1-8 reminds us: That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.”
Matthew 13:18-23 explains: “Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Amen.
