The Pauline Encouragement of Michelle Obama’s Becoming

From Think Christian:

“In her book, Obama also emphasizes the power "in allowing [ourselves] to be known and heard, in owning our own unique story." She recognizes the transformative power of story because even as she tells hers, she encourages us to tell ours. Our story, even as it evolves, even as it is imperfect, is the thing we will always have and it is the thing God can use to transform the lives of those around us.

In the final verses of 1 Thessalonians 5, as Paul closes his letter, he gives some instructions for holy and blameless living and reassures the church that "the one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." Our stories are not ours to hold; we can never know their power without sharing them. God has given us each a story, pieces of a tapestry that the Faithful One is weaving and has been weaving since creation. Only he knows what is being made and how all the people and moments fit together. Part of our becoming his masterpiece is sharing and connecting our threads with the threads of others.”

Read the full piece here.