the story...big and small

frac·tal. noun
Etymology: French fractale, from Latin fractus broken, uneven (past participle of frangere to break) + French -ale -al (noun suffix)

: any of various extremely irregular curves or shapes for which any suitably chosen part is similar in shape to a given larger or smaller part when magnified or reduced to the same size


A couple of months ago at a hearing aid training I learned about fractals. For the most part this is a visual concept. A lot of math! And most of the explanation goes far beyond what I care to comprehend. After all I like words, not numbers. Images of fractals can be found all over the internet and even in nature (snow flakes, crystals, river networks, broccoli, and systems of blood vessels) The Oh-so-favorite-Wikipedia has some good examples and information. But fractal technology is also now being applied to auditory stimuli for tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and stress relief. There is nothing like sitting in a Saturday seminar learning about a concept that seems far beyond something that should actually apply to my field...yet I found it fascinating (along with a paid hotel room, free continuing education, and a clue about all the new hearing aid technology that I'm relearning).

So for the past few months I have found myself being much more aware of fractals and even have my current iGoogle theme set for fractals. Recently I read The Shack (William P. Young) which used fractal patterns in a garden as metaphor of God working in our lives. Recalling the description, I believe the reference was to how beauty and patterns can be found in what looks like chaos to some. Looking at some of the fractal patterns I have come across recently, I have been in awe at the striking images that these geometric patterns can produce. And in thinking of the book's example, I have pondered how this fractal term might also apply more to the story we're all in--humanity--most specifically in the context of faith.

While some view the Bible as a collection of rules, do's and do not's, I have grown to love the story woven through this collection of history, poetry and letters. The big picture of a infinite being who loves very finite creatures who are ALWAYS screwing things up. And all the little stories of these individuals and communities who fail to keep their side of the deal, they are still sought out by God to reconcile their relationship. Stories I first experienced in pre-school on flannel story board became hard-to-follow rules as I got older. But I am experiencing the richness of stories again. Those that happened centuries ago in a very different backdrop.

I can see my story in it as well. My story of constantly screwing things up. My often cries from the deepest part of my soul to be saved. And that there is always a chance for redemption. A chance to be freed from oppression (even though it is often self-inflicted).

I see our American story with in the pages of the Hebrew story. Of a nation escaping oppression only in turn to screw it up. Pride took over and we learned how to oppress others. How communities with our country experienced oppression and captivity and have cried out for salvation. Such as a group of people who were brought here as slaves, freed with a war only to have to continue fighting even to this day for equality.

I see the Hebrew story played out in art, music and film and literature. It may be in an epic adventure like the Lord of the Rings Trilogy or just a piece of the story like watching Garden State. Sometimes the story is screams out to me in watching Shawshank Redemption or many of the superhero stories. But it also is echoed in much smaller stories or within a subplot of what I'm currently reading or watching or listening to. This year I was convinced to watch Battlestar Gallactica which has some incredible reflection of not only our current stories but again the Hebrew story--all of our human stories. I have begun to appreciate how Science Fiction is that magnification of the story set in an imagined time and place with the same good and bad within history and within where we are at this moment in time.

The stories of the Old and New Testaments have shaped my life for good or bad. They are just a much part of my own history as they are the history of Israel. As I keep rereading them I see new reflections of who I was, am and becoming. More and more I find myself thankful that not one of us is out of range of grace we are offered. So what will I choose to do with that grace? Will I accept it? Will I extend it to others? How many times will my pattern of life show oppression, cries for salvation, forgiveness, and outpouring of joy?

Until the day I die I think this will continue to be my story. As it continues to be all of our stories.