I love a good story. A joy of mine is making up stories for my grandkids. The kids enjoy filling the role(s) of the main character(s). For over twelve years, I have “spun a good story,” and my grandkids egg me on.

“Tell us one more, grandma!”

Oral traditions also come to mind. Generation after generation, clan after clan, tribe after tribe, family after family, telling the stories that make them a family, a line, or a tribe. Maybe you can remember a story from a grandparent, a parent, an aunt, an uncle, a close family friend. Some make us laugh. Others make us sad. Stories can be told as folktales, ballads, chants, prose, or verses; however, they all communicate culture, ideas, knowledge, or even art. Stories are powerful.

So, why do we hide parts of our stories? For many years, I did. Until realizing these very parts of my story held power over my life. You see … Secrets enslave us to many different feelings and emotions. However, when we find the courage to tell our story to ourselves and someone else, the power releases its hold.

By telling my story, others find hope. By telling my story, others find encouragement. By telling my story, others choose differently, see things differently, or behave differently.

By telling my story, others are released from the power grip, enslaving them. By telling my story, others are free to tell their stories.

Brave Enough is a safe place to tell your story and to find freedom. It’s where I found the courage to tell my complete story. Including the private parts encourages others to use my story as a reference book to find the same hope and freedom Jesus offers us all.

Please do not live enslaved to hidden parts of your past. Choose freedom because freedom produces joy. A joy Jesus promises his followers … “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10

New groups start this month. Change your life today by joining a Brave Enough Zoom group, just visit www.braveenoughtochange.com – Virtual Community Group or text Brave to 39970