While visiting Vermont on our RV road trip, we went to the Trapp Family Lodge. We listened to the guide tell the story of the real life of Maria von Trapp and was told the differences and similarities of the real life versus the movie. I must admit that I’ve been a Sound of Music fan for about as long as I can remember. The Sound of Music was the first VHS movie I bought when I was in sixth grade.

Going to the Trapp Family Lodge was always on my bucket list. I gathered and read books about the von Trapp family. I learned as much as I could throughout the years. Their life was far from perfect and they endured much hardship by coming to the United States. Thanks to Maria telling one of the agents at Ellis Island that she hopes they stay forever, they ended up staying about 3 days at Ellis Island before being released!

So, why does the story of the von Trapp family matter? They did not agree with the beliefs of the Nazis and were trying to escape Austria so Georg didn’t have to work for Hitler. They stood up for what they believed to be right and moral and by doing so they lost most of what they had. When we were talking to Kristina, the granddaughter of Maria and Georg, she said the family has since heard of others who were trying to escape their countries. They had hope they could escape because of the von Trapps and have a better life now.

The von Trapps are simply another family who stood up for their beliefs, but their story has inspired many people to make tough choices. It wasn’t until others wanted to buy their story that they became known for their choices. You might not have Hollywood coming to knock on your door wanting to share your life with everyone. Yet, you still need to live your life as if everyone could know your story because your story matters.

God knows your story and He loves you.

Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to share other stories we found out about while on our trip. Take time this week to go back through your story. Be honest with yourself. What parts of your story, decisions you’ve made, are good parts of your story? What are the times you’d rather not remember? How did both the good and the bad shape you?

Remember, “All things work together for good to those who love God.” There are others who might need to hear of your hard times – the times that shaped you and made you who you are today. Ask God to work through your story to bring glory to HIs name.

© 2019 Susan M. Sims

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