The Story I Can’t Tell

As an author and former news writer, I’m greedy for information. I’m always in the mood to hear a good story. Give me a picture and my mind writes the caption, or share a few tidbits and my mind paints an elaborate tale, whether it be true or false. After all, truth is stranger than fiction, right?

What happens when someone confides in you a story so heart-breaking it could read like a movie script or a #1 bestseller. As I listened to the tragic personal events that had taken place, I couldn’t help but think, I’ve read that plot somewhere, but those events didn’t happened on the pages between characters I didn’t know—this time, with this story, I know the main character, and sadly, everything is all true.

If I was writing the story, I’d tweak the plot to have a “happily ever after.” Yet, it would never be a plot I could ever pen. I believe that every story an author writes has an element of truth in it. That’s what makes it believable, right? We want readers to say, “That happened to me,” or “My friend just went through that,” or “I could feel your pain.”

In my role as a confidant, I have to tune out the author in me that shouts, “This is a story that has to be told! As a Christian, I’m reminded of Proverbs 11:13: “A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.” I’m entrusted to silently bear that person’s burdens, and pray that God will restore the losses.

It’s too bad that truth couldn’t be more like fiction, especially romance, where a happy ending is guaranteed every time. I want to hear your thoughts about being someone’s confidant. If no laws were broken, can you be a trusted? If not, why not?

Thanks for reading!

Join the wait list for Pat’s next release: EVERY WOMAN NEEDS A PRAYING MAN. Coming soon.

African American young woman lying down and reading a book.

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