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THE POWER of YOUR STORY

Thomas Nelson

Contents

Conversation Guide.....................................................5How to Use this Guide..................................................7Session 1: Backstory...................................................9Introduction...........................................................9Studying the Story—The Life of David, Part 1.....................10Watch the DVD..........................................................11Group Discussion.......................................................12Experiments in Story...................................................14Exploring the Story Further............................................15Session 2: Characters..................................................25Introduction...........................................................25Checking In............................................................26Studying the Story—The Life of David, Part 2.....................26Watch the DVD..........................................................28Group Discussion.......................................................28Experiments in Story...................................................31Exploring the Story Further............................................32Session 3: Plot........................................................41Introduction...........................................................41Checking In............................................................42Studying the Story—The Life of David, Part 3.....................42Watch the DVD..........................................................44Group Discussion.......................................................44Experiments in Story...................................................47Exploring the Story Further............................................48Session 4: Metaphor....................................................59Introduction...........................................................59Checking In............................................................60Studying the Story—The Life of David, Part 4.....................61Watch the DVD..........................................................63Group Discussion.......................................................63Experiments in Story...................................................66Exploring the Story Further............................................66Session 5: Narrative...................................................77Introduction...........................................................77Checking In............................................................78Studying the Story—The Life of David, Part 5.....................79Watch the DVD..........................................................80Group Discussion.......................................................80Experiments in Story...................................................83Exploring the Story Further............................................84Session 6: Inciting Incident...........................................95Introduction...........................................................95Checking In............................................................96Studying the Story—The Life of David, Part 6.....................97Watch the DVD..........................................................98Group Discussion.......................................................98Experiments in Story...................................................100Exploring the Story Further............................................100Session 7: Authenticity................................................109Introduction...........................................................109Checking In............................................................110Studying the Story—The Life of David, Part 7.....................111Watch the DVD..........................................................112Group Discussion.......................................................112Experiments in Story...................................................116Exploring the Story Further............................................116About the Authors......................................................127

Chapter One

INTRODUCTION

In every great story, there is a moment when we learn the main character's past and understand how it motivates him or her. This revelation is called the backstory. A backstory is often disclosed through action in the plot, and its purpose is to deepen the story at hand. As we discover a character's history, all the bits and pieces of the story we have already seen come into sharper focus and take on new significance. By understanding the past, we can better see the present and the future.

Everyone has a backstory. Our families of origin, past experiences, and successes and failures all dramatically affect the way we see the world. They color the way we feel about ourselves and even influence the way we see God. This makes it complicated when our backstories are filled with pain.

God wants to bring new life out of every place of pain in our lives, but we have to work with him in that process. This work can begin when we take a fearless look at our own backstories. We must acknowledge the things we have done and that we have left undone. Then we must face the pain and regrets we carry and consider whether we are willing to trade them for the good God has for us. Are you willing to trust God with your backstory this week?

STUDYING THE STORY

THE LIFE OF DAVID, PART 1

1 Samuel 16:1–13 details the time when Samuel anointed David as the new king of Israel. Samuel was God's prophet and therefore had the authority to carry out this anointing on behalf of Yahweh. Read the passage out loud and invite the group to consider the following questions:

1. As a group, summarize the story in your own words.

2. Is there anything in the text to indicate that David was an unexpected choice for the new king?

3. Are there any details of the story that seem curious to you and make you wonder if there is a backstory to them?

Now read 1 Samuel 8:1–21 out loud as a group. Discuss the following:

1. Why did the leaders of Israel want a king?

2. Was that a good or bad thing in God's eyes? What did God say the king would do?

3. Reread the 1 Samuel 16 story. What nuances are revealed now that you know some of the backstory?

WATCH THE DVD

Watch Session #1: Backstory. When the DVD ends, give members of the group a moment to reflect and jot down one or two things that they learned, disagreed with, or found surprising.

GROUP DISCUSSION

First Impressions

Before everyone shares in the large group, turn to one or two people next to you and finish this sentence, "After watching the video about Backstory one question I have is ..."

Community Reflections

1. Go around the group and have everyone share their name and one story (from any medium—novel, TV, film, stage play, etc.) that they love to hear over and over.

2. As a group, summarize the video's concept of backstory in your own words.

3. How can your backstory be a blessing? How can it be a curse? What do you think makes that difference?

4. Do you think there is a purpose to everything that happens in our lives? Why or why not?

5. Is it easy or difficult to...