Your story is never totally your own, there is always someone who can identify in some way and before you know it, you both share part of the same story. Finding someone who can identify with what you’ve been through can often bring hope where there is none.
Our stories have purpose, whether we find that purpose or not is up to us. The journey of where we’ve been, how we’ve handled tragedy or victory can speak volumes to another. If we testify, be a witness to someone else about the victory in defeat, the joy in sorrow, and peace in anguish. Then the chances of finding purpose in our story is greater. If we hide our story, not only do we hide it’s potential purpose, but we are also hiding someone’s hope. Our silence promotes their isolation, as we allow them to go on living their story thinking they’re the only ones. By opening up our book, we show them they are not.
I remember a time my husband and I went into some caverns on our way to Tennessee. At one point on the tour they turned out the lights, and literally it was so dark we couldn’t see our hands in front of our faces! It was frightening, and even though my husband was only inches away from me, I remember feeling a little afraid and alone. The moment they turned the lights back on there was a huge sigh of relief! I could now see my husband and everyone else. The light brought hope. That is exactly what we are to those who have no hope, and are stuck in a cavern somewhere. We are light. Even if it is just a crack piercing the darkness, it is enough to start drawing them out of the dark, to give them a glimmer of hope. Our testimonies, our stories are like turning the light on in their caves! In the dark they feel afraid and alone, even when we are standing right next to them!
To share is to make yourself vulnerable, and set yourself up for ridicule and rejection. A
lot of times, those feelings are what keep us silent. Sharing is a risk, but staying silent is too. What we keep in the dark can continue to haunt us. What we bring into the light can empower us! Bringing our mistakes into the light often brings greater healing to ourselves, and gives God permission to make something beautiful out of them. Sharing our stories and journeys with others brings purpose to our situation, and often to our lives!
Everyone can tell of a time when they overcame something. So share! Even if all you can share is a small flicker of hope, it encourages others to keep walking, to keep trying, to keep believing, and keep hoping! Never underestimate the power of your story. It can bring hope to someone who has none.
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS:
Have you ever felt like you were supposed to share and didn’t? What kept you from sharing your story? Have you ever wanted to go back and do what you didn’t do?
What about a time when you shared, even though you were scared to death, what was the outcome? Did you find more healing in the process of bringing hope to someone else?
Have you ever been the recipient of someone’s story? How did it impact your life?
1. Absolutly…Fear of man has often froze me! On those occasions I am usually very convicted and filled with feelings of remorse. Like God gave me a chance and I blew it.
2. Recently a friend came to me in a very dark and twisty spot, a place that I too once was at. She felt broken, very alone, and filled with shame. I told her I understood and that she was not alone. I shared with her the darkest part of my story. It was amazing! It opened the door to a wonderful dialog about the Lord’s forgivness, and how through him we are remade. On that day because I was willing to be vulnerable my friend came to Christ for the first time. We prayed and I know it’s just the begining of her walk with Christ. The whole process was just as healing for me as it was for her. The words the Spirit filled me with were as much for me as they were for her.
3. There have been many times when I have been with someone that I was certain was just perfect and then they shared. It’s been inspiring to know that so many people who I respect and admire have walked out similar things to me. It absolutly has kept me filled with hope hearing so many stories end with “but through him I have been restored!”