Legend has it that Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in only six words. His response? “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Six short words that reveal so much.
Last year, SMITH Magazine asked readers for their own six-word memoirs. Stories came in droves, and they got everything from bittersweet (“Cursed with cancer, blessed with friends”) and poignant (“I still make coffee for two”) to funny (“Business school? Bah! Pop music? Hurrah”) and inspirational (“When all else fails just dance”).
So what is your story…could you capture it in six words?
Here are a few more to get you thinking:
- ”Always in trouble, not really troubled”— eight-year-old boy on the spot
- “Well, I thought it was funny.” – Stephen Colbert
- “Living life hidden prevents being judged.” -Theresa Corona, 11th Grade
- And from the life of David…“did God’s will during His lifetime”. (Acts 13:36, NCV)
This could be a fun game at a dinner party or maybe cheap therapy. It could also help you better understand your spouse, kids, or congregation. But maybe most important, a succinct six word summary could help us better understand ourselves and keep us focused in the new year.
Here’s mine: “Answer the question behind the question”
We’d love to hear yours…
Ed,
I heard this today and thought it was cool.
No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets
Peace
Tyrone,
Ah…I like it.
The perfect story for a type “A” it would seem.
Have a great New Year!
Hey dad, I think this would be my six word phrase…for now. This changes as we go through life I would think. =o)
“Discovering a beautiful and just King “
I obviously have a lot more to discover about this King, so the future tense is used not past perfect. The first 10 or so years of my life, I feel like I was blessed with a safe and free world to grow up in. I was a free spirit and most of my memories (that are vivid in my mind) have to do with discovering God in all that surrounded me. The second half of my life has been understanding the perfect justice of God. It separated me from Him and led to my repentance and now acts as a refining measure to change and mold me as I mature and grow. In the end…I would like to say that I discovered as much about this majestic King and savior as possible and that it had a lasting impact on the way I lived my life.
Ann
Ann,
That’s a special summary full of anticipation. It reflects the trusting and hopeful spirit that has made you so special. Now I see it blooming in your kids. Life is so special even with the thorns.
You continue to make our life so rich Ann.
Love you
Here’s another six word summary a new blog friend emailed me. These six word summaries are remarkable in how they so uniquely reflect the lives of the authors…wow!
I’d encourage you to write one. It will provoke some real thinking. And, it will help those you care about better understand how God’s wired you. As I think about it, I’m interested in what my wife would write as well…and those I work with. What if a pastor knew everyone’s, would he better connect with them? Do we as parents really know our own children?
My wife and I teared up reading our daughter Ann’s above.
Here’s the emailed one…it makes you think:
Try to avoid woulda, shoulda, coulda!
In the end, only love remains.
Bryce,
Ah…so true. Another story that reaches deep. Thanks so much for sharing!
For those of you who are following here and haven’t shared yet, please do. How the spirit is stirring and molding your heart enriches us all.
Warmly,
Ed
“The violent take it by force.”
(Matt 11:12)
Knowing God more, I find me.
“Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.”
Lex,
Is this your story? Hummm…what you taking it by force?
Lisa,
Now that is thought provoking. We find the good and bad in us, right?
Thanks
Dan,
Thanks for your comments today. I’ve always liked that Micah verse. And, I’ve always felt a passion in your heart to live it as well.
Yes, the good and the bad. For me it also relates to identity. My experience has been that the more we know of Him, the more we can see who we are created to be. Conversely, when we move away, we become very insecure/ unfocused in who we really are.
Ed,
The things of God!
Matt 11:12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers (as in allows/permits) violence, and the violent take it by force.”
Lisa,
I appreciate your positive spirit and the encouragement to focus on who we were created to be.
Lex,
Thanks…I’m sorry I wasn’t tracking the best there…appreciate your follow up.
It might be cheating but I have plenty of six-word memoirs.
Still want to change the world
Left it all on the blog.
When I grow up … too late!
It is well with my soul.
Raised hands on rollercoaster, in church.
Family is my pride and joy.
Hate housework, love being a mom.