Write Your Life Story

Enjoy learning about writing your life story from my interview with Darrell Rotz in the Fall 2010 online newsletter Prime Time Connection. It's the Nazarene Prime Time Ministries Online Newsletter

Darrell Rotz (DR): Please summarize your life’s calling.

Pat Stockett Johnson (PSJ): Gordon and I were married
the summer following graduation from Pasadena
Nazarene College. Gordon planned to serve as pastor
in a life-long ministry and I hoped to enjoy a career
as an elementary school teacher. God had other ideas,
like an amazing 34-year ministry as missionaries in
Lebanon, Jordan, and Papua New Guinea.

Furthermore, the Lord gave me the desires of my heart in opening doors to become a published writer of devotionals, articles, and NMI mission education adult and children’s books. As retired missionaries, we now live at Casa Robles in California. I have become a strong advocate for adults writing their life story.

DR: Why will your family need to know your life story?

PSJ: Our children, grandchildren, and future generations
share our DNA. Our legacy to them is the story of our
lives. We want future generations to understand that
God interrupted our lives to set us on a different,
challenging, demanding course that changed not only our
lives, but countless lives around the world. As followers
of Jesus, we can be witnesses to our heirs on how God
worked miraculously in our lives.

DR: Can an average person actually write his or her story?

PSJ: Yes, absolutely! In your own words, simply write
your personal story. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece.
Even a handwritten summary will be precious to your
family.

DR: Are you talking about a few pages or a book?

PSJ: Don’t think book. Think in life stages; childhood,
adolescence, young adult, middle adult, and elder
adult. Think of events that are specific and unique to
each stage and transition. The key is to get a notebook
for this purpose or make a file (My Legacy) on your
computer. It is so important to start the project NOW.

DR: What about sharing your story on video?

PSJ: Why not? Some will find it much easier to verbalize
their story on camera.

DR: Where can you find help for writing your story?

PSJ: A great book, The Legacy Guide, by Carol Franco
and Kent Lineback, provides clear guidance for writing
your story (check your local library). You can also
google on the web: “How to write your life story.”