Everyone has a story. You may not think you do, but you do! And no one can tell your story with the same impact and punch that you can.
Think of your favorite birthday party. If I asked you to describe it, your unique perspective would spice up the story – especially because you were so excited about it! Another guest might tell about the decorations and cake and the guests that attended, but when you tell the story about your all-time favorite birthday party – you will likely describe the fun and excitement of the day! Your story will evoke emotion as you tell it.
And it’s the same with the stories of your life. Okay, not the story of your entire life – but a story about what makes you, you.
My lifelong passion is to help others to understand that they are important. Each of us has unique gifts and talents. And this week, we lost a fellow sister. She didn’t know how important she was, or maybe she forgot. Or maybe discouragement hit her so hard that she thought there was no way out. But she had a story. A story that could help and encourage others on their journey.
Just like you (and I) have stories.
But…I have to be honest with you …
Telling your story will cost you something. It will cost you being vulnerable. It will cost you risking feeling naked before people you may not know well. Being uncomfortable.
Think back with me; we all have had times when those closest to us shared their stories – stories that touched us. That was the bonding moment in our relationship. They trusted us enough to be vulnerable, to be authentic, to be uncomfortable – so they could reach us in a deep place within our souls that needed to be prodded.
Have you been prodded? I have.
Last week, I was prodded by the Holy Spirit – to reach out more. I notice that I keep at arm’s length with sooooo many people. Admitting I needed to be more intentional, I wrote in my day planner two friends to “Bless” and two friends to “Reach out to.” And… I did it! And it felt great!
But that lasted one day. Grrrrrr. One very interesting fact about God is that He is patient. He doesn’t mind repeating lessons.
Now, I’m on repeat. And I am writing a column in every day of my planner titled “Bless” and “Reach Out.”
Under “Bless” someone – those are the personal connections – where I am daring to be vulnerable, real, available, listen intently.
Under “Reach Out” to someone – I might make a phone call, send a friendly text, encourage a neighbor, connect with someone I don’t know well or see often.
Now you’re probably wondering how this ties in. Life’s events are what makes our stories. Reaching out, touching others, being involved and invested in others’ lives, is our storyline. These encounters have immense value. Not only do they create our own personal stories as we involve others in our lives, they let others know that they are important – and that their story matters too.
You see, we all learn from each other. Sometimes, good. Sometimes, not so good.
Sometimes, if we’re quiet we can sense the direction of the Holy Spirit nudging us.
This happened the other day when I had formed a committee, in my head, to judge a lady that had arrived tardy to an event. Ignoring the committee, I welcomed her and helped her find her way. Afterwards, the committee in my head reconvened as I entertained a slew of negative thoughts, when suddenly a foreign thought popped into my mind, “You know what would be really nice? If you made her feel welcome. It’s difficult to step into an event late.” Oh boy, isn’t that true!? I wonder what her story was… (and fortunately since I wasn’t a jerk, I’ll have the opportunity to get to know her in the future!)
We all have a story. You do. I do. And when we share our stories we learn. We encourage. We are spurred on.
Everyone’s story matters. Your story enriches another person’s story.
[bctt tweet=”Everyone’s story matters. Your story enriches another person’s story.” username=”https://twitter.com/TrekkingChar”]
There’s a great bible verse that I love, which I think gets overlooked too much. If we live it out, this verse has the power to change lives…
Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today… Hebrews 3:13
We cannot encourage enough. Too much. Too often.
Share your story. You have boundless value. Your life means something. It could save the life of another and/or change the course of another’s life.
Be a blessing today!!
Oh! And if you’d like to receive email reminders and free printables go ahead and fill out the subscription form in the right sidebar! I’d love to get to know you!!
If you are interested in linking up this week please click the blue button below and be sure to visit some of the other great blogs that link up. There are amazing bloggers in our corner of the web and they all have a great story!! I love reading each of the articles and seeing their amazing creations! You will too!
Thanks for stopping by! You bless me every week!!
Michele Morin says
There are some committees in my head that need to be given their walking papers, too, Char. Thanks for this call to action — there’s such a need for encouragement and unconditional love in Christian circles.
Char says
I have seen the need for constant reaching out to others and encouraging them too Michele. Especially when one falls through the cracks. It makes me realize my self centered behaviors… and seek to change.
Sandra says
I love every word you have wtitten, here. I also have a rude commitee in my head that I am constantly telling not to be a jerk. Thank you so much for this.
Char says
Thanks for making me feel better about my jerkiness, Sandra!! I struggled with being honest about that…. I just checked out your blog and can’t wait to read more. Thanks for stopping in and reading – a new face and encouragement too!! yay!!
Joanne Viola says
Char, thank you for this reminder. We all need encouragement DAILY. May encouragement not be in short supply when we are with others. May we dose it out – generously, freely, and sincerely from hearts that overflow with the love of Jesus. So glad to be trekking through this week with these thoughts! Blessings!
Char says
Thanks Joanne – I love that verse as it makes me realize how important touching other’s lives is. And how powerful it can be! Have a blessed week!
Ashton says
I think it is so important that people share their story. I thought I it could help people in general when it comes to rough times to know that you aren’t alone, others have gone through similar situations, and there is hope because no situation is permanent.
Char says
You’re so right. I have a friend who is in a cast, had her home flooded from Hurricane Irma, has a sick husband and just smiles and says, “this too shall pass.” May I have that attitude! And offer hope to others.
Sue Donaldson says
we can’t over encourage!!!!!!! say it again. great post. my head has too many committees and I don’t even like mtgs. great post!
Char says
I don’t like meeting either. I’m giving it all to the Lord and doing it all for Him today!
Char says
I don’t like meetings either. I’m giving it all to the Lord and doing it all for Him today!
Melissa says
This is such a great reminder of how God can use our story to touch someone else. Sharing our story also can have such a healing power for us, too. As I write my blogs it gives me fresh eyes and a new perspective on my own past. God blesses us when we are reaching out to help others! Cheerleaders for everyone! God Bless!
Char says
Cheerleaders! Great analogy! I check out your blog too Melissa!
Melissa says
Thank you so much!
Keisha Russell says
I love this so much!! I am also a firm believer that everyone has a story that needs to be shared! I hope and pray that every day I am doing the best that I can to make everyone I meet feel important. Very encouraging post!! Good job!
Char says
Thanks Keisha – I have a friend that masters the process of seeing great value in others. It’s very inspiring. It sounds like you are the same!!
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for hosting. There is so much inspiration here!! Have a great week.
Jackie says
This is really insightful we should be ready to invest in other people’s story and also continue live our stories.
Char says
Yep! A great investment with returns we don’t always see… 🙂
Alice Mills says
Learning to tell our story is so powerful. After all, we conquer by the blood of the Lamb and the Power of our testimony.
Vanessa Jencks says
I really love this! My blog is a platform for sharing women’s stories who do not have platforms of their own (or who do an have something special to share). I love seeing them encouraged and encouraging others through their stories.
And you hit the nail on the head here:
“Telling your story will cost you something. It will cost you being vulnerable. It will cost you risking feeling naked before people you may not know well. Being uncomfortable.”
Char says
That’s a great idea for a blog. I have to search through your blog more! Thanks for popping in Vanessa!
Sarah says
You shared such truth. When we take a risk and share our stories, we open the door for deeper relationships and more authentic life together. Thank you for sharing!
Char says
Being authentic is priceless! Thanks for stopping in Sarah!
Susan Evans says
Each of our stories matters–and each story of transforming grace in our lives makes a difference in the lives of others. We shall overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Our testimony causes others to have hope that they too can get through their situation.
Kristi says
Everyone’s story does matter! I’m attending a small group right now and each time we meet someone share’s their story. It is amazing! I am really loving it.
Jamie@TheMomGene says
Love the idea of the two columns, Char! Thanks for sharing : )
Karen Woodall says
Social media has done a great deal of damage in respect to what you say here. We believe if we don’t impact a huge number people then we aren’t important or making a difference. But if we impact only a few, (family, friends, co-workers etc) for the kingdom of God, then the ripple effect can be enormous but WE may never even know it. we just need to focus on being faithful with what’s in front of us and leave the rest to God.
Cheryl says
Throughout the years, I have encountered many individuals that ask the customary questions, “How are you doing?” however; when I respond, I am not always honest. I sense the individual doesn’t really want to hear anything more than “Fine.” In our fast-paced, multi-tasking society, we seldom get to know each other because we are checking off a dozen other things on our “to do” lists. This reflection encourages me to be more aware of others by observing their body language along with listening to their words in order to develop a connection. The humanness with these face-to-face encounters allows one to express themselves and share their thoughts whether it is a simple, “It’s been a hard day” to “I can use a shoulder to cry on.”
Char says
This is a real challenge Cheryl – to reach beyond the standard answers to hear each other’s stories.