…Because He Loved to Hear Stories
Thursday, July 13th, 2006With my twin pursuits of blogging and writing taking up more of my time lately, I’ve been watching much less TV (inarguably a good thing). I’ve noticed that as my time for watching has decreased, so has my tolerance for junk programming.
Being much more selective now (having a TiVo enables that), I find myself choosing more PBS shows. Generally, I find PBS programs to be more inspiring than some of the soul-deadening network reality shows. Maybe I’m maturing. Maybe.
Earlier tonight, I watched In Search of Myths and Heroes: The Queen of Sheba (on PBS) and the opening line truly moved me: “God made man, so the Africans said, because He loved to hear stories.” Go ahead and read those words again — they’re worth it.
Our society certainly doesn’t share the same reverence for stories. Perhaps it’s because we’re so economically-focused, and the value of a story is hard to weigh, count, or quantify. Indeed, it would be hard to factor stories into the GDP, or even harder, to qualify for a story-equity line of credit (not that this story-maker has tried).
All I know for sure is that tonight, as I revisit some of my novel’s pages, I’ll be soothed and encouraged by those words: “God made man because He loved to hear stories.”
July 13th, 2006 at 11:29 am
Man made blogs because he likes to tell stories.
I think that in the last 50 years technology has pulled people apart and hindered the telling of stories by seperating us. We used to walk or take the trolly to work, now we drive alone. We used to entertain each other with stories and discussion, now we listen to the iPod and talk on a cell phone.
Technology like blogs and social networks have the capability to bring around a time of communication once again. Sometimes it’s a non-personal relationship like reading a newspaper but more often now has become a connected community or series of connected communities.
Long live the blogs! May they usher in a new era of story telling and niche entertainment.
July 13th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Hi Anton!
Thanks for sharing your great insights! I totally agree with your positive outlook for the role of blogs and technology!
Even for me personally, when I reflect on the short time I’ve been involved with this, blogging has introduced me to so many amazing people from around the country and the world — folks who I never would have met otherwise! Like you, I believe that this technology can bring people closer together.
Yes, long live the blogs!
Cuileann
July 25th, 2006 at 9:40 am
WOW! Talk about synchronicity, Cuileann. I just finished a post about storytelling and the next thing that catches my eye in the feedreader is your post. Now I have to go back and link to your post
I agree with the Africans. I’m glad God loves a good story (telling them, hearing them, and making them).
July 25th, 2006 at 6:46 pm
Hi Tom!
Synchronicity is amazing, isn’t it? I’ve noticed that phenomenon recently between other blogs, too. It’s like we’re all somehow connected in our storytelling (and God likely loves that, too)
I’ll go now and read your post — I’m definitely a fan of your writing.
Thanks for the link and for saying hello!
Cuileann
July 26th, 2006 at 7:52 pm
Look for the post tomorrow, Cuileann!
July 27th, 2006 at 12:11 am
Sounds good, Tom!
Cuileann