Memoir as Testimony: Ten Memoir Themes to Explore
WRITING AT WORDHOUSERITEME
Writing a memoir as testimony isn't just about chronology; it's about weaving together experiences that shaped our faith. Here are 10 themes we can explore:
Our Journey in Christ is our Memoir
We can trace our spiritual growth, from childhood faith to a deepening of our relationship with God. How about going back to that pivotal moment when we felt God's presence strongly, such as a time of prayer, worship, or service? This story that begins with our turning to God will highlight our struggles and growth in embracing the Christian identity.
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom chronicles her family's courageous resistance against Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. Ten Boom's memoir as testimony showcases her unwavering faith and reliance on God amidst unimaginable suffering.
The Core Christian Beliefs of our Testimony
Let us share how our belief in Jesus's sacrifice on the cross has impacted our life. Can we describe how we have been forgiven and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit? How about what it means to 'die to self' and to 'love our enemies?' What does it mean to 'have an eternal life?'
In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis explores foundational Christian doctrines with clarity and intellectual rigor. While not strictly a personal memoir, it serves as a powerful framework for understanding core Christian beliefs and how we can integrate them into our memoir as testimony.
Testimony of Divine Encounters
A deeply personal experience of prayer, such as a time of intense intercession or a profound sense of God's presence during a difficult time can explore the depths of our spiritual journey. In The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence offers a profound exploration of cultivating constant awareness of God's presence in everyday life. Though not strictly a memoir, it is an excellent reading that demonstrates an intimate relationship with God.
A Memoir as Testimony to God's Strength
The memoir may describe a challenging period in our life – a loss, a health crisis, or a broken relationship. We can testify to how God sustained us in those days of fear, doubt and darkness. We write our personal story of 'walking through the valley of death' yet 'fearing no evil...' for God is with us.
Night by Elie Wiesel, a harrowing account of his experiences in the Holocaust, is a powerful memoir as testimony to the enduring human spirit and the search for meaning and faith in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Discovering God's Purpose: A Testimony to Divine Calling
How did we discover our passions and talents? How did we come to understand God's intention for us to serve others? We can share the specific instances where we felt God's guidance in pursuing our passions. His hand upon our daily goals and tasks, responsibilities and stewardships - how He led us to the right steps in time and provided for all our needs.
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, while not a personal memoir can inspire us to reflect on our callings. Our memoir as testimony will focus on this theme of following a divine calling.
The Power of God's Word in the Memoir as Testimony
Bible verses or passages provided us comfort, guidance, or inspiration during many challenging times. Our testimony can demonstrate the transformative power of God's Word in our life.
In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis explores the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil through the correspondence of a senior demon to a junior tempter. The Book of Psalms record many instances of the power of God's word to the faithful. Prayer in poetry is as heartfelt memoir, exploring blessings and promises in scriptures.
Shared Faith in the Christian Community
A story of how a fellow believer supported us during a difficult time or how we were able to serve someone else within our church community - this can be a powerful memoir as testimony. What is a Christian fellowship? What does it require for believers to stand out and be identified as belonging to Christ, and not to a sect?
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom recounts the author's visits with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying from ALS. The book explores themes of life, death, and the importance of meaningful human connection, emphasizing the power of community and the enduring impact of relationships.
Legacy of the Memoir as Testimony
Our memoir can become the testimony of our hopes and dreams for our children or grandchildren. The main legacy is our striving to instill in them the same Christian values that have led us to live a meaningful existence despite all odds. How we have lived our lives in such a way that a generation after us will be able to capture this legacy of faith.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl is a powerful memoir as testimony to the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Anne Frank's faith in humanity and her hope for a better future continue to inspire readers across generations.
Memoir as Testimony to Divine Grace and Providence
God's grace in our relationships, our career, and our spiritual growth is the main focus of this memoir as testimony. How our every day is infused with God's presence. How even in our ordinary routine, we sense God being our a friend, companion, and confidante.
In The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom (mentioned earlier) God's grace in action is beautifully illustrated. The book explores how God's providence was evident in the daily lives of the Ten Boom family, even amidst the horrors of the Holocaust.
Memoir as Testimony of a Relationship and not Religion
In this memoir as testimony, our focus is on the relationship aspect of our faith, explaining it by sharing stories of faith and interactions with others. We write that what we have is more than a commitment to a religion or belonging to a community of church goers. We are not into loving ourselves by pursuing a religious community. But we are in a relationship that requires unconditional love, obedience and humility.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, while fictional, explores the theological themes that can inspire us to reflect on the meaning of having a personal relationship with God. We delve into what it means to know God personally, and intimately.
We have a memoir in our Christian testimony. When we mine our past [and present] for instances of faith encounters, we realize how much God has "fearfully and wonderfully" molded our days. We remember and write about the times of divine interventions, knowing that this too is His grace - God enabling us to tell about His ways.
