There would be no story without people

We are His Workmanship...

Right next to my Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law’s gravesites there is this tombstone that I think illustrates the thoughts that I have had swirling around in my head over these last two years.

I based my life on the concept of leaving a legacy when I graduated high school. That’s easy enough, if you are the hero of legends!

There is another concept in the Bible that I completely missed somehow. Maybe because it’s so counterintuitive. “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Matt 16:24,25

Me with my brothers at age 19 on my first trip to the Republic of Georgia

I was confused on the topic of My way vs God’s way. I kept worrying that He would ask me to give up something that I really wanted to keep. Like how awesome I was and how I was going to save the world in one fell swoop!

In the course of a 22 year career in media production I began to understand that all messages follow the same track. There is a problem, there is a conflict and there is a resolution to the conflict. At the heart of the hero’s journey or story arc or whatever you want to call it is People!!!

I have begun to realize that God cares about people way more than I do. As a career storyteller I can never be more effective than to learn to be about what He is about and to do it in the way that He tells me to do it.

Daniel shooting Behind the Scenes footage and film school interviews on the set of “The Song” the movie

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

“We do this ( have faith ) by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith”. Hebrews 12:2a

“Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29

How can I be concerned about making the perfect movie ( for my Glory ) when there are walking stories all around me everyday. We are stories that God created and loves dearly… Now I’m thinking that to be a good storyteller is to be nearest to the Storymaker.

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21

When I lay down my will, I don’t have to be anything noteworthy in this life. He is legendary for me and I am in Him like a fish in water. Thanks be to God!!!

No story without people