My travel plans have been double checked. I’ve confirmed my accommodations. In just another two days I’m beginning a busy 10 day stretch that will take me from New England to Pennsylvania, back to New England, then off to Michigan. It’s easy to get tired just looking at my schedule for the next week and a half. Despite all that’s packed into the coming days, I’ve been looking forward to this for months. Why? Because I’m looking forward to sharing some of my story!
It’s an excitement that has only built in the past few days as I’ve been reading and studying the book of Exodus. It has reminded me of three important reasons we each should share our story:
- It reminds us how far we’ve come. As a child, my family had a doorway where my parents would periodically mark how tall we were. It felt so good to see the small lines with my name inch up the wall over time. Even the smallest incremental growth showed that I wasn’t where I used to be. Sharing our stories does the same. It reminds ourselves that we’re not where we once were.
- It reminds us of answers to prayer. Sharing our stories keeps answers to prayer that we’ve experienced fresh in our minds. We’ll need those reminders when life challenges us again. When we read Exodus, it can feel a bit like the Hebrews forgot answers they had received. God performed several miracles to break them free from slavery. Then, as they fled, He split the Red Sea so that they could walk through on dry ground. Safely on the other side, the complained and even said they’d have been better staying slaves. We need to resist the temptation to forget the answers to prayer we’ve had so that we do not get stuck when new challenges roll into our lives.
- It shares hope with others. Have you ever been inspired by someone’s before and after picture? Seeing someone’s transformation inspires. Sharing our stories does the same. Our words paint a picture with the images of the struggles and challenges we’ve faced and the hurdles we’ve needed to overcome. By sharing, we’re allowing others to “see” our before and after pictures to share hope and inspiration to others for their journey. You may be surprised by how many times you hear “me too” as others respond letting you know that they’ve shared similar struggles.
When we share our stories, our audience may be to one friend over a cup of coffee, or it may be to an entire audience, or through a blog, video, or book. It may be informal or structured. How and what you share is individual.
If you want to learn how to write or speak about your story, there are many great conferences each year. A few that I’m looking forward to include:
- http://speakupconference.com/ (July 13-15 – There’s still time to register!)
- http://www.maranathachristianwriters.com/ (Sept 28-30)
- https://renewwriting.com/ (October 6-8)
I hope you’re encouraged to share your story! Have you ever shared your story? If you have, was it easier than you thought? And, if you haven’t, does this post make your reconsider? I’d love to hear from you!
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