Sometimes, it’s those closest to you who have the ability to hurt you the deepest. I suppose it has to do with having allowed such people deep access into your life. They are able to say things to you that affect you deeper than random passersby.

One such time for me was when a former longtime close friend said about me, (in my hearing), “You know Trice can’t just get to the point, she has to tell a story.” We all laughed, but for some reason, I almost instantly became acutely aware of my story telling habits and aimed to do a better job of getting to the point. I didn’t want to be annoying or take up people’s time droning on and on. I never thought I did that honestly, but I thought my friend of over 20 years wouldn’t steer me wrong.

Even after that relationship ended, and I started to look back and see things with that infamously clear 20/20 hindsight, I still felt sensitive about my tendency to tell a story. I will never forget literally rushing through a birth story as I was asked to speak for my midwifery school. I felt like I had to rush, but I also felt like a fool for rushing as I did. It was not one of my best moments.

Now, years later, God has taught me how to be wise when choosing friends and I am in constant awe of the ones He has blessed me with.

Several times now, without having known about the hurt that one silly comment caused me, my friends tell me that they love my stories and want to hear more. It really touches my heart, thankfully deeper than the pain caused previously.

I know I need to make more time to write the books the Lord has been speaking with me about. I look forward to spending time more consistently writing whatever the Lord wants me to write.

Today, I received yet another encouraging and touching message from somwone very dear to me. She wrote, “Patrice, can I have the honor of sitting at your feet, just to see your face as you tell your stories about encounters with God? They’re very enlightening.

I just wanted to share this with you.

But, I’m serious.” She had no idea what was said to me about this in the past but it was such a healing comfirmation of the fact that I am supposed to be telling stories, lots of them. It’s not a coincidence that I love telling and hearing them. It’s a God thing.

So pray for me as I endeavor to do what God has called me to do. I promise to pray for you to do the same.