3 Points to Ponder
- Telling your story can provide healing for you and others. To withhold it means we withhold healing. Are there stories inside of you that need to be shared?
- Shared experiences create powerful connections. Stories are a catalyst for connection as you learn you are not alone in your experiences. Who needs to hear your story in a little more depth to encourage them this week?
- Your heartache is someone else’s hope. Never forget that.
2 Quotes to Share
“Tell your story: yes, tell your story! Give your example. Tell everyone it’s possible and others will then have the courage to face their own mountains.” – Paula Coelho
“It is important that we share our experiences with other people. Your story will heal you and it will heal somebody else. When you tell your story, you free yourself and give other people permission to acknowledge their own story.” – Iyanla Vanzant
1 Story of Impact
I wrote Standing on the Shoulders: A Legacy Story of a Father, a Son, and Life’s Greatest Gifts for my kids, nephews, nieces, and future grandchildren. But, I soon realized this story would help others in their journey. This week, I received one of those messages you don’t forget. It stated, “Thank you for writing this and sharing it with the world. I’m going through a very similar journey with my mom… even down to the point where you mention Powell Room at Methodist Downtown! My mom is dying and your words have helped provide me with strength, direction, and some comfort. I admire your strategic approach to sensitive conversations and your raw emotion and vulnerability. To know you can relate to these things and have spoken delicately about them in your book has been a blessing to me.” I’ll admit, I finished the book over a year and a half ago and sat on it as I wanted to be sure God asked me to share it. Did I want to be this vulnerable and transparent with the world? Ultimately, I was led to “Yes” because of messages like the one I received. Others are going through similar situations and they need to know they aren’t alone. People need to hear stories of good earthly parents and a loving Heavenly Father. This story is bigger than me as it points to the One greater than death. What about you? What is the story God has been working in you? For me, this looked like writing a book, but that isn’t for everyone. Maybe your story is shared over a cup of coffee or with a small group of people. Or maybe you just need to write it in a journal or diary at this point to collect your thoughts. Whatever place you are at, always know your story matters and it is worthy of sharing. What is uniquely yours to share with those you love? Spend some time these next few weeks and wrestle with this question. If you do, God will move, especially if you respond in obedience to the promptings He brings before you.
