The God Who Holds Our Stories

My story is not just my own. It took a while for me to realize and learn this. Growing up I believed that my life, or at least the story of my life, can only be written by me. I choose its characters, the setting, the plot, and the direction it will head in. And, honestly, a lot of that is left up to me to write. However, I’m not the only author to my story.

“Your eyes saw the course of my days; they were all recorded in your book, before any of them came to be.” — Psalm 139:16

My story is actually just one unique thread in a tapestry of threads that come together to tell a story of love, redemption, and renewal. God has been writing this story in the lives of every single person since the beginnig of time. Though I may not always see the full picture, I trust that God is writing my story with purpose.

Like every human story, mine is marked by brokenness. There are moments of failure, pain, and doubt—times when I have struggled to understand my place in the world. But my story does not end in brokenness because God, in His mercy, has written redemption into it. Just as He pursued His people throughout Scripture—offering hope to Abraham, grace to David, and restoration to Peter—He also steps into my story, offering me new life through His Son. In Him, my story is redeemed, my brokenness is transformed.

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Because of His grace, all of our unique stories are not defined by our ability to remember or our brokenness but by Christ’s faithfulness.

Our life story is not defined solely by our memories, achievements, failures or the way we perceive ourselves; it is rooted in something far greater—God’s image. From the very beginning, God created us in His image (Genesis 1:27), shaping our worth and purpose not by what we do or remember but by who He is. Even when moments of our personal history fade, God never loses sight of who we truly are. His love and purpose for us remain constant, anchoring our identity in something unshakable.

“Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” — Luke 10:20

Our value is not found in our ability to recall every chapter of our life, but in the truth that we are His—fearfully and wonderfully made. And, our story is written where nothing can erase or diminish the love that holds us now and forever.

Ultimately, our story is anchored in the eternal nature of Christ’s story. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13), which means that our life is not a series of disconnected moments but part of a divine narrative that stretches throughout time. Held in His hands, and known fully, we have always been set apart.

“Even before I formed you in the womb I have known you; even before you were born I had set you apart,” says the Lord. — Jeremiah 1:5

What that means is that God’s presence in our story is not distant or passive—He is actively involved in every moment, walking with us through every joy and trial. He is a God who draws near to us; not afraid to be close nor intimidated by the messiness of life. In fact, that is right where God desires to be, with us.

“I am with you always, even to the end of this age.” — Matthew 28:20

No circumstance, no hardship, and not even our own forgetfulness can separate us from God and His story. Even when we struggle to remember parts of our past or lose sight of His hand at work, He remains constant, guiding us with love and purpose. In the end, our story is never ours alone—every chapter is infused with His presence, shaping us, sustaining us, and leading us toward His greater plan.

It is difficult to watch someone you cherish slowly forget the moments that shaped their life, but remember their story is not erased—it is held securely in the hands of God. Even when memories fade, their identity remains rooted in Him, for He sees them fully and loves them completely every moment of their life. As caregivers, you have become a part of their story in a deeply meaningful way. You are the handwriting of God to them; reflecting God’s faithfulness through your patience, kindness, and unwavering presence. Your care is not just an act of duty but an act of love that mirrors Christ’s compassion—a reminder that no one is forgotten in God’s eyes. Thank you for what you do.

Final Thought

A story finds its true meaning when it is shared. It is more than words on a page or memories in a single mind—it lives in the telling, the passing down, and the collective remembering. Though we may forget parts of the story we’ve written, it rests on the unshakable story of God. Our story is not held together by our own recollection but by the One who never forgets. In the end, a story is not just ours to write; it is ours to give, and it will be God who remembers long after we are gone.

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What Happens Next? Faith When You Can’t Remember is a blog series exploring the profound intersection of faith and memory loss, offering hope and reassurance for those experiencing cognitive decline and their loved ones. Each post delves into the unshakable truth that faith is not merely a product of our minds but is deeply rooted in God’s love and grace. Through biblical reflection, personal stories, and practical encouragement, this series reminds us that even when memories fade, God’s promises remain steadfast, and our faith is held securely in His hands.