Why Fiction?

When my children were little, right around the time they started into that first season of disobedience, I would tell them the story of a baby bird. This little bird lived in a nest high in a tree with his mama. I used that hypnotic storytelling voice we mothers have to draw them into the world of this tiny creature. Anyway, there he is, up in the tree and his mama needs to leave the nest to get him something to eat. She tells him it's very important to wait right where he is, no practicing on his little wings until she gets back. She soars away and he's left home alone, waiting. But before long, he can't resist the forbidden. He flaps those little wings up and down just as hard as he can and for a moment, he does it - he's flying! But his little baby muscles can't hold him up for long, and before he can make it back to the nest, he's tumbling to the ground. Just before he hits the ground, the large, orange tabby cat who's been spying on the little fellow the whole time, jumps into the air and gobbles him up.

Years later, my kids still tell me it was a horrible story. Whatever. I'll put some money away for therapy. It got the point across--they needed to obey me because I saw dangers they didn't.

Now I could have just told them to do what I said because I was their mom, and I often did. In fact, the first verse they memorized was Ephesians 6:1.

Say Ephesians 6:1 to them today, and they can still say the verse - they may roll their eyes, but they can say the verse. And while memorizing the words was important, telling that little story made it real. It gave the lesson weight.

That's the thing about stories - they give us experiences we've never had and allow us to live vicariously through other characters. We learn while they learn, but without the consequences. We cringe at their poor decisions and cheer for their good ones. And along the way we develop empathy, a trait sorely needed in today's world.  

Scripture is filled with stories that teach and many have become iconic images that stay with us for life. A simple description and the mind recalls the whole tale and the lesson it taught. Nathan's account of the poor man's lamb brought David to his knees. Jesus' simple story about a proud son, humbled, and the father who ran to welcome him back home astounded his listeners. Two thousand years later, people hear that parable and are still moved by the shattering truth of God's love for the prodigal. The Good Samaritan, The Pearl of Great Price, The Lost Sheep - all simple stories illustrating profound truths that apply to every life.

So, bring on the stories! I'm an unashamed fan of the happy ending. Let me read about Good battling Evil in all its forms. I want to read about people struggling because the triumph at the end of the story mirrors the ultimate triumph at the end of all things. The world can be a heavy, dark place and we are often beset on all sides. Good fiction shows that. And then, in some way, in the really good stories, it shows the light breaking through.

I don't know about you, but I love that.