In my last blog, I wrote about a dialog I had with my friend, Shirley, concerning her mother-in-law's stories. 

Since then, Shirley shared, "I think it might be too late to get stories from (my mother-in-law). I took a couple of pictures to the nursing home to see if I could get her to respond. She didn't remember all the grandkids or her sister's extended family. We talked a little about the past, but she just sat a moment thinking, then said, 'I just don't remember...that was a long time ago.' I thought I would take some of her old photo albums to see if I could jar her memory a little. I'll keep coming in from different angles to see if anything works. I know she has so many valuable life experiences in there, if only could help her to remember."

Shirley's frustration just reminded me of the stories I missed from my mom and dad, since they are both deceased now. But her struggle also convicted me of the need to continue to write my own stories. It's too late for me to get any more stories from my parents, but it's not too late to write my own stories.

Shirley also came to that conclusion—that it's time to work on her own story. She added, "Many of the events in my own life include the influence of my parents and (in-laws). Ever since Mother passed away..., the idea of spiritual legacy has played heavily on my mind. We've talked about it in Sunday School. We are all the same age; therefore, (we are) going through the same things with our parents. It certainly makes you reflect on your own life and the influence you have on the next generation."

I hope and pray that Shirley's story encourages you to capture your family and faith stories. She certainly has encouraged me! And please send me your comments on this subject or other blogs—I'd love to hear from you. 
 
My writing friend, Mary Larmoyeux and I will be teaching our "Capture Your Story" workshop in our church soon—The Summit Church. If you are in the North Little Rock/Little Rock area, we welcome you to attend. Or if you are interested, we would love to bring our workshop to your group. 

Mary and I also speak individually, and you can contact Mary  through her website. And I would love to help your group with my own writing workshops—BLESSED:Building Legacies. Encouraging Spiritual Stories. Equipping Disciples. So, feel free to contact me for more information about attending or planning a workshop for you at kj@karenjordan.net .