Every year I present the big story of the Bible from a new angle: The Story of Light, The Story of Hunger, The Story of Water, The Story of Song — and this year, The Story of Home. When I decided 2020’s concept last October, I had no idea how fraught it was going to be. This year, the concept of home has deeply pressed itself into our hearts, both because we have been trapped in our homes and because we have been prevented from seeing those who feel like home to us. Home is something we have both lived and longed for. Home is a concept that’s tangled up in both our traumas and our treasures.

Every year, writing and presenting the big story of the Bible costs me a lot (writing and teaching does that!), and this year the cost felt especially deep. But every year, even though I feel like I’m handing over all my cash and spare change and searching the couch cushions for more, God richly rewards me beyond what I can express. His story is my greatest treasure! I could crumble in a ball and cry about it, and I have. (Sheesh.)

Anyway, I normally don’t share these stories with the masses. They are too special to me, and they are designed for an in-person presentation* among women who aren’t rushing to get out the door or point out my mistakes. But this year, I want to invite anyone who is compelled to listen to The Story of Home to do so (gently, please!), and I am praying that God’s story through the lens of home will bring healing and hope to weary hearts. It was a joy and honor to weave into the metanarrative some personal stories of my grandparents’ home, a place I’ve found myself longing for all year. I hope it meets in you where you are, even though you may be longing for somewhere else.

P.S. My husband (NOT MY KIDS) made this gingerbread house. He says you walk in the front door, go upstairs, and then slide down into a pool of sprinkles. In a series of poor decisions, he then ate part of the slide in the middle of the night. Please retrieve whatever metaphors you desire from this story of home.

P.S.S. Influences for The Story of Home beyond scripture: The Powers family, The Bible Project, Grafted In by Amy Gannett (an Advent study I wholeheartedly recommend!), Gospel Transformation Study Bible by Crossway.

The Story of Home - 2020 Theme for Story & Soul Weekend - Caroline Saunders

*Each year, I present a creative retelling of the Big Story of the Bible at Story & Soul Weekend, a women’s retreat experience for local women and churches that I started with some friends in 2016. This year, of course, it looked quite different, though we are grateful that by God’s grace we were able to safely preserve several of our favorite elements of the experience, like The Story. You can learn more about Story & Soul Weekend here.