The Power of Story from a Lifelong Journalist
How a woman's daily practice of journaling transformed into time a capsule containing her full life story
The mission of Just One More Chapter is to offer inspiration, encouragement, and connection through shared stories. As such, we will regularly offer guest interviews from those have been impacted by the power of story in their own lives. Today we hear from, fellow Christian, homeschool mom, and lifelong “journalist,” Salena Donnelly.
MEGAN: Salena, can you tell us a bit about your practice of journaling? Why do you journal? Is there anything specific you feel that this form of writing offers that perhaps other mediums do not?
SALENA: I have been journaling for as long as I can remember. When I was in the second grade I was given a beautiful pink diary. From that day on, I began documenting my life and thoughts on paper. One of my most treasured journal entries is when I wrote about giving my life to the Lord. It is such a gift to be able to actually look back on that day and read what I was feeling and experiencing in that moment. Because I am a Christian, I feel like writing has been a means to process everything I am thinking and feeling in my daily life. As I write my prayers, I add specific scriptures I feel the Lord is highlighting and sometimes, what I believe the Lord is speaking or revealing to me.
MEGAN: Have you always been a writer? Can you share with us a bit of your journey as a writer that led you to this point?
SALENA: I do not call myself a "seasoned writer" by any means. Thankfully, the homeschool curriculum I use to teach my children has helped me to better understand proper writing techniques. I do, however, try to make an effort to be an effective communicator when it comes to what I am writing, especially if I know others will be reading what I am sharing. Honestly, most of my writing is in my journals. There, I am not trying to communicate with anyone except for the Lord. It is obvious when I go and read them which journals are from an overly-emotional-teenage-girl stage, and which journals are from a woman who is choosing to seek, glorify, and honor God in the midst of her circumstances. I have been journaling for so long that it really is a lifestyle for me. It is a daily habit and I feel like it I have been rewarded great benefits through this continued practice!
MEGAN: You recently shared a post on social media that included a photo of table full of journals you wrote over time. Can you share with us what it meant to you when you looked back at the collection as a whole?
SALENA: I initially gathered my old journals to find a study on Esther I had done years ago. I thought it would be easier if I just grabbed all of them so I could start to look through them. Once they were on the table, the realization hit me: these journals are my life-documented on paper! The words held within the pages included my salvation story, being a newlywed, living in London, the births of my children, pregnancy loss, a 40-day fast, loss of loved ones, women's retreats, moving to new homes, even mundane daily topics. They were all there written in this time capsule, of sorts. Because of these journals, I can actually read and relive how God, time and time again, proved His steadfast faithfulness and goodness in my life.
MEGAN: Do you believe there is any connection between faith and the power of story? If so, how do you think these two concepts overlap or interact with one another?
SALENA: Absolutely. In chapter 11 of Hebrews, we are given an amazing overview of the "Heroes of the Faith." Each of these stories describe the character and faithfulness of great people mentioned the Old Testament. More importantly, they exemplify how the Lord worked mightily in their lives. I'm sure each of them (Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Joshua…the list goes on), had some doubts about how God would move in each of their circumstances. Regardless, they remained faithful and did as the Lord commanded them. This is why the power of our testimony is so important! When we are able to share with others about how good the Lord has been in our lives; when we are vulnerable enough to even share about the deepest hurts of our lives, and how the Lord carried us, it is an encouragement to everyone who hears, and I believe their faith will be increased as well!
MEGAN: I happen to know, that you are not just a writer, but you also enjoy reading. Can you share with us what you love about reading?
SALENA: I do love to read! Given my current schedule, I do not read as much as I would like to, though. My daily reading priority is the Bible. This is essential to me because in order for me to follow the Lord well, I have to know His character and how He wants me to live as a Christian. I do enjoy when I am able to pick up a fictional book because I have a very vivid imagination. As I read, the words come to life and my mind creates the scenes and characters. Sometimes, it is nice to take a break from everything that is going on to live in a fictional land, even if it is only for a moment.
MEGAN: Do you have any favorite books or authors? What is it that you love about these titles?
SALENA: I don't think I have any favorite authors or books. I mostly gravitate towards historical fiction, though. Recently, I read the book "Skyward" by Branden Sanderson and I loved it! I would like to finish the “Skyward” series and check out the “Mistborn” trilogy as well. One of my all-time favorite book series is a historical fiction series called "A Voice in the Wind," by Francine Rivers. My all-time favorite, non-fiction book is "A Hiding Place," by Corrie Ten Boom.
MEGAN: One final question, can you share with our readers why you believe so strongly in the power of story and its impact on your own life as well as on the lives of others?
SALENA: Storytelling encourages connection. When we tell our stories, or when we hear someone else tell their story, we grow more compassionate and understanding. When we learn that others may have even lived the same experiences as us, and it creates a pathway for deeper connection and conversation. We were designed by our Creator to live in communion and fellowship with one another. Our stories not only build faith in one another, but they also allow us to encourage and build other people up.
Salena Donnelly is “journalist,” wife, homeschool mom, and passionate follower of Jesus. Salena has been married to her husband, Sean, for 23 years. They live in Somerset, KY where they raise their three children, Catherine, Hugh, and Saoirse.
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Oh how I wish I started journaling at a younger age but no better time to start than right now. This is so good! Thank you for sharing!