Sam … Nothing can separate you from God’s love. Nothing! May you continue to grow in the sense that God is always with you … no matter what.

Analysis & reflection

And by the way, what did you think/ feel/ sense reading this short story? As a story listener, pay attention to this. And then ask yourself, “What next?” Your choice!

The story of a blessing is more than just words. A different way of showing something of the drama of this story could be shown with the following colour code: Facts … Thoughts/ emotions/ sensations … Consequences/ outcomes sought/ hopes

[Sam]

(some appropriate form of physical touch*, use of the person’s name, spoken confidently, smile, eye contact, formal but friendly pause)

Nothing can separate you from God’s love. Nothing!

(Confident, spoken from the heart/ memory, or, if this is not possible, it can be read.)

May you continue to grow in the sense that God is always with you … no matter what.

(Confident, spoken from the heart/ memory, or, if this is not possible, it can be read. Maintain eye contact at the end with a confident nod and a smile.)

*some appropriate form of physical touch … This is only appropriate if a blessing is in a public space with others present. It is also only appropriate if permission is sought from [Sam] (and also parents if Sam is a child). Traditionally this is a hand placed on [Sam’s] head, but it may not sit well with [Sam] (or parents), so it could also be a hand on the shoulder or a handshake. Another option is to hold a hand up, in prayer, towards [Sam].

Your comments

Because this is a workshop space, the task is to critique these stories and determine how you would make these stories your own so you can share them within your capacities, with skills, and in your style! Use the comment space below to share your ideas, responses, or ways to improve the story. If you don’t like the story as presented, rewrite it and share it giving your reasons to our learning community. Please add your own examples of stories you have seen, heard, or tried.