How Stories Shape Lives by Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Today I am introducing you to another Redbud Writers Guild friend, Lucinda Secrest McDowell, and this excerpt from her recently released book, Soul Strong. A North Carolina transplant to New England, Lucinda has many loves: stories, books, creativity, dressing up…and of course her grandchildren. Enjoy this peek into her life and her book.
I truly believe other peoples’ stories help shape our lives. In turn, we share our stories with others. As an example, I’d love to tell you about four stories God used to change my young life—to help shape and form my thoughts, beliefs, behavior, and vision.
Catherine Marshall
The year I turned 14 a new book came out that changed me forever—Catherine Marshall’s Christy. This story of young Christy Huddleston, who left Asheville, North Carolina, to minister to the Appalachian mountain people at the Ebenezer Mission in Tennessee, awakened my love of story, adventure, and the tug of God’s call on my life. Christy’s story was based on the life of Catherine Marshall’s mother—Leonora Whitaker Wood, who lived in Montreat, North Carolina, where I spent much of my youth.
Not only was Christy an engaging and beautifully written novel, but it also prompted me to action. By the time I was nearing 20, I too had ventured out into a wild Appalachian area, serving as a missionary among poor Kentucky children. I lived with no electricity or running water, seeking to make a difference in the name of Christ.
Many years later, and around the time I needed to hear her message, Catherine Marshall’s memoir Meeting God at Every Turn was released and spoke of persevering through loss and disappointment and entering into a ready-made family. Her life story gave me courage.
Corrie ten Boom
One night when I was a 17-year-old freshman at Furman University, I had the privilege of meeting and sitting under the teaching of Corrie ten Boom. I will never forget her standing before our Sunday night Campus Life gathering and telling her story of hiding Jews in her Dutch home during World War II as told in her biography The Hiding Place. Mostly I remember the atrocities of her life at the Nazi concentration camp and her clinging to the promise, “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.”
As Corrie ten Boom spent the rest of her life as a “tramp for the Lord” all over the world, sharing stories of His faithfulness and the worth of all people, I felt a longing to become a strong older woman who shares stories. Her experiences of finding worth in those with disabilities also greatly helped me follow my passion in that area for those who are often forgotten.
Joni Eareckson Tada
In my early twenties I read a book and saw the movie called Joni about teenager Joni Eareckson, who had broken her neck in a diving accident and was left paralyzed. Her story of going from active athlete to wheelchair-bound quadriplegic in a mere moment of time stirred me deeply. It brought out my compassion and empathy, but even more it made me ask what I would do in such a situation. I admired her courage and fortitude. And this was way back when she had just started her journey.
Along the past 40 years Joni’s story has continued to engage my interest and heartfelt support. She founded an international ministry called Joni and Friends to elevate the worth and work of people with all sorts of disabilities by providing them with wheelchairs, counseling, family camps, and discipling opportunities.
Her wisdom has helped me greatly in mothering my own child born with intellectual disabilities, and I have been privileged to speak at Joni and Friends camps and events. Joni is one of my heroes, and her story gives me hope that no tragedy can stop our spirit. No disease or wound can silence our voice or our influence.
Elisabeth Elliot
The year I turned 24 I began a master’s degree program in seminary and found myself lodging with recently widowed Elisabeth Elliot, of whom I had read in books such as Through Gates of Splendor and Shadow of the Almighty.
These were remarkable stories of a young woman who followed Jesus into the jungles of Ecuador, offering up her own desires for love and marriage. Then, after marrying Jim Elliot and losing him to a violent death, she moved forward in ministry and motherhood. She appeared so sure and so strong. I wanted some of that.
Spending life in her home during my student days—typing her manuscripts and driving her to the airport for speaking engagements—was a personal lesson in what it means to embrace God’s truth and do the next thing. I am utterly grateful to Elisabeth for affirming God’s gifting of writing and for urging that it was my duty to write for Him. Who knew that more than 30 years later I would be encouraging her daughter Valerie Elliot Shepard to publish another book, Devotedly, of more stories through the letters of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot?
These four women—Catherine Marshall, Corrie ten Boom, Joni Eareckson Tada, and Elisabeth Elliot—had an incredible impact on me during that formative decade between ages 14 and 24. It was their stories that initially showed me how to be a soul strong woman. What if they had never obeyed and shared their struggles and victories—both through their books and their speaking? I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have written this book Soul Strong, laying out seven keys for a vibrant life.
Whose stories have touched you? While these stories may be from books you’ve read or talks you’ve heard, they may also be stories that came your way in the ordinary course of life—people you met. Think back to different times in your life and important lessons you carry. Try to target some of your own early influencers. Though each of these life stages may not be applicable to your own life, use the ones here as a guideline:
When You Were Story Lesson Learned
Young Teenager __________________________________________________________________________________________
University Years __________________________________________________________________________________________
Early Twenties __________________________________________________________________________________________
Starting Work __________________________________________________________________________________________
Early Marriage __________________________________________________________________________________________
Motherhood __________________________________________________________________________________________
At a Time of Change __________________________________________________________________________________________
Recently __________________________________________________________________________________________
Now, as you begin to reflect on the fingerprints of God throughout your life, as well as the influences of so many other people, ask Him to reveal to you the story you will live and tell. A story that will most certainly be used in the lives of others.
Let those who have been set free by the Lord tell their story. (Psalm 107:1-2)
©2020 Lucinda Secrest McDowell, from “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life”
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller, international speaker, and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping you Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the award-winning author of 15 books, including Soul Strong, Life-Giving Choices, and Dwelling Places. Lucinda, a member of Redbud Writers Guild and AWSA, is known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways as a spiritual mama. She co-directs reNEW writers and speakers retreat in New England, and blogs regularly at www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com.