The Faithful Storyteller: Finding Jesus in Stories Around the World

Names carry power. But, what matters more than the name is our identity. The world wants us to forget who we are, but God is always there to remind us. Listen to this story and then think about what your name means and how you can remember who you are when the world tries to make you forget.

Welcome to a new kind of podcast--a place where take folk and fairy tales and find connections to Christ. This week we travel to Peru and enjoy a fun story that teaches us about generosity, confidence, and love.

This week's episode is a "Jack Tale" from the Appalacian mountains. I found this story in a book by ⁠Donald Davis⁠, a master storyteller and an old friend of Jack. Jack tales came to America from the United Kingdom and there are hundreds of variations. I hope you enjoy mine! Some stories have deep messages, and some are just for a laugh. Pure happy laughter is a fruit of the Spirit. Along with Jack's tale I share a story from Elder Wirthlin about the blessing of humor. You can read it HERE.

Learn more about Jack's stories⁠ HERE⁠.

This week's story is a lesser known Grimm's Tale. It has all the classic twists and turns--strange people in the woods, broken promises, enchanted castles, and invisible cloaks. I also share a story about keeping promises and explore why we make and keep promises with God.

Click the links to learn more about stories from the Brothers Grimm and the beautiful country of Germany!

Germany: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/germany

Brothers Grimm: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Brothers-Grimm

Activities to explore more! https://annatyszka.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-grimm-brothers-activities-and.html

A folk tale from India that includes accidentally marrying a tiger and a daring rescue by three brother wetting their pants.

This story was inspired by a tale I found in this⁠BOOK⁠.

Learn more about India:

⁠https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/india⁠

⁠https://www.theflavorbender.com/sri-lankan-chicken-curry/⁠

⁠https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/india⁠

This is a story from the Czech Republic that reminds us of the power of gratitude and the joy that we can find in each season--if we look for it. God teaches us different lessons in each phase of life and we can feel His love in the darkest of winters.

This conversation with Elysia Olsen includes stories of best efforts, funny failures, and a folk tale that teaches us the power of loving ourselves exactly as we are. . .exactly as God loves us.

We have a special guest this week! Natalie Buxton comes to share a story of friendship. Mo shares a story of friendship from the Lenape tribe and then we talk about how we become true friends with Jesus Christ.

What does "Happily Ever After" really look like? This braided story takes a look at what comes after the happily every after and examines how love is a choice we make every day. It is also a choice God makes every day. Aren't we lucky He chooses to love us?

We often think we can't "dance" or "sing" because we don't do it like anyone else. But, God has given us each our very own beat. We just have to find it and follow it in the way only we can.