The Power of Stories
I have always loved stories. When I was younger my dad would tell me and my siblings bedtime stories and it remains to this day one of my favorite childhood memories. He would sit at the end of our bed and would make up stories with characters who went on adventures. The stories were peaceful and entertaining and would help calm our minds before we went to sleep.
When I was a teacher my favorite part of the school day was our story time. After lunch the kids would gather on the small carpet, each on their assigned spots, and I would read them stories about princesses and dragons and animals. Each story had a lesson built in about friendship, sharing, kindness, etc. I would sit in that chair in my classroom and get so sucked into these stories where life seems peaceful and there are always happy endings.
I’ve recently found a new love for reading fiction. I love reading how the author creates a story, builds the characters, and I especially love when there is a shocking twist at the end. A few years ago my friends and I started a book club. We read thrillers and mysteries and then would meet weekly to discuss them. From a book about a flight attendant accused of murder or a narcissistic woman plotting to kill her husband, we were able to find themes and core issues from these books and have deeper discussions. We discussed family dynamics, conflict, social issues, and so much more.
Just like these made-up stories in children's books or murder mysteries, we all have stories to tell. Our stories might involve pain and hurt, grief, disappointment, loss, healing, love, growth, or redemption.
I believe in the power of sharing our stories with each other. We can learn from others and also feel less alone if we know that we are not the only ones walking through something.
When I went through a difficult season I wrote daily, I would write down stories from my day conversations I had with people, and what I was learning. And I’m so glad I did this. Reading my journals years later I see how much the Lord healed me and it makes me so much more grateful for the growth. God taught me so much through my greatest struggles and much of that writing has turned into these blog posts. I believed that God will use my pain for His glory.
We need to hear stories of overcoming obstacles and finding strength in hard times, stories of examples of hope, love, and encouragement. This is my encouragement yo you today to start the journal or the blog. It can be simple, just a few sentences each morning, write down your stories, use journal prompts to record how you are feeling and what you are learning. It will help you see how you are growing and also help others. You never know the impact you can make when sharing your story!