What’s Your Story?

We all love a good story.

Whether it is written in a book, painted on canvas, beautifully composed in song, or acted out on screen. We love the ebbs and flows, the conflict and resolution.

Stories connect with us on a deeper level I think because we can identify with or admire the characters. We glean ideas about how to live our own lives or they help us escape from it. I love stories that make me laugh and forget the sad things around me.

Lord knows I am an empath.

Put me in a room of crying people and I’ll soak up their pain and start hollering too. I’m the girl who will cry after seeing a 30-sec ad that tugs on my emotions.

Go ahead feel free to be judgy.

Anyway, I woke up sometime this week with the phrase ” what’s your story?” in my thoughts.  I try to take notice when I wake up with a lingering thought. I will ask God if it is something He wants me to explore or leave it – because I just ate late the night before.

At any rate, I got to thinking about the people who have asked what inspired me to share my story or those who have expressed a desire to write but are unsure of whether their story is worth telling and I get it.

My story may be dramatic to you but when I compare my story to some others out there, it’s as if I was trying to compare my son’s introduction to basketball to the NBA.

And there it was: that word “compare.”

For instance, if I compare my bad traits with someone else I could get prideful thinking I’m in need of less grace or less mercy than the next person. I may end up feeling a false sense of superiority.

On the other hand, I could also feel like the scum of the earth with no hope of redemption. If I  compare the good stuff, that is, my talents, attributes, and physical features I’ll quickly find there is someone who has more or does better in certain things or has physical features I prefer.

Comparison steals.

So what is your story?

You have heard several times by now, that you are uniquely created and purposed. Your story has a specific audience waiting anxiously to hear how God helped you through. You may not be a writer, a preacher, or someone who commands a large platform. However, your life preaches louder than the final match of any sports tournament.

Not everyone can identify with the dramatic. Some people just want to know how God helped you get groceries this week or gave you the wisdom to handle your child.  Embrace your story and do not be afraid to share it in whatever way you can.

Ephesians 2: 11 (TPT) reminds us that, “We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!”

Our story and the good we are meant to do are specific to us. Do not be afraid or ashamed of your story.

Embrace it.