I can’t wait to see “Little Women” in the theater! A classic story with an amazing plot and powerful characters which is why I can’t wait to see it. I know I’m not alone, we all Iove a good story. You know, the story that leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat. It captures your attention from the very beginning and all of a sudden you are connecting with the storyteller as if you are right there experiencing the same thoughts and emotions. Yep, stories are powerful!
So, I ask myself, why did I wake this morning longing for people to know their story matters. In my search for spiritual health, I stumbled upon a quote by C. S. Lewis, “the story of Christ is simply a true myth: a myth working on us in the same way as the others, but with this tremendous difference that it really happened” ( On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature). The light came on! First, let me tell you, I love this quote! Three parts of the quote especially connect with me, “the story of Christ”, “is working on us”, and “it really happened.”
The greatest storyteller of all time was a real person, his name is Jesus Christ, and his real-life story is the greatest story ever told! It really happened which is why it’s so great! Millions of people’s stories, including my own story, have connected with “the story of Christ” and together, we have become part of the larger plot of “the story of Christ.”
Now, how did this quote shed light upon the reason I woke with a longing for others to know their story matters? Our real-life story has the power to impact others as it opens the door of eternity for someone while carrying us into eternity.
Over the last five years, I have had the privilege of hearing so many powerful “real-life” stories through their journey to spiritual health. Stories from courageous “everyday” men and women whose stories drew me in as if I was living these moments with them have eternally impacted me.
What do I mean when I say “have eternally impacted me?” These individuals may have had no idea that their story of Christ made me feel included, seen, and unashamed. More powerfully, their ability to express their story of Christ freed me from my own inability to express my story. How? My trapped emotions now have words to describe them. Suddenly, my story bursts forth with two simple words, “Me too!” Followed by, “I long for the change and hope you have; I long to have the story of Christ be part of my story, too.” Thus, eternally impacted; a personal story that will live on forever is birthed!
So, today, I encourage us to do two things:
First, let’s not believe the lie that our “real story” doesn’t matter, it’s too much for people, and or no one wants to hear it. Our stories matter and someone needs to hear them for their own spiritual healing. Someone needs the hope we have found in the story of Christ. Someone needs to know their story has an eternal impact.
Second, through wisdom and prayer, let’s find the courage to tell our stories to other people and watch what happens. Our stories, within the story of Christ, will free someone. We will know it when they burst forth with, “Me, too.” followed by, tell me more about the story of Christ.
Learn more and improve your spiritual health at Brave Enough to Change.