Tell Your Story
Storytelling is fascinating. Powerful and persuasive, a story can create action, teach important lessons, change minds, and evoke emotion where there was none before. What is this power? How can you harness it? Why should you?
December 26th, 2003. My family and I (12) headed to the theater to watch Return of the King. The ending still exists vividly in my mind. Powerfully moved, I cried as Frodo said his last goodbye. That day I learned what it means to do something important and call the job finished.
The live production of Big Fish affected me similarly. For fifteen minutes, I sat in the theater awash with feelings of saying goodbye to things held dear. I couldn’t even speak.
Similarly, Jesus harnessed the power of story from which I’ve learned many life lessons.
The man sold everything he had to gain a treasure, teaching me a dedication to something greater.
Another man failed to invest his entrusted gift, teaching me that responsibility is just as much about what you do as what you don’t.
Would I have learned countless lessons without His parables? I doubt it. Wow! Stories are powerful! That is the truth!
The power of your story is talked about in Revelations.
10 … Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.
Revelations 12:10-11
The Word says that your story has power. Stronger than Satan, your witness is a tool used to deliver people. Not using our incredible stories to honor our Savior is a disservice to God’s children.
As someone who specializes in storytelling, here is my quick guide on how you can harness your testimony.
1. Tell your story often
In a world of communication, there is no lack of opportunity. Find an outlet to inspire others.
2. Be transparent
Don’t sugarcoat it. Your real experience is what someone else needs. The point of a testimony isn’t just to show where you are but where you came from. People need to see the hope of escaping their circumstances in your story.
3. Say yes
You will be asked to tell your story. Seems like an obvious call from God to me. Say yes.
4. Make it your own
It doesn’t need to be polished. Your testimony isn’t Lord of the Rings or Big Fish or a parable. It shouldn’t be. The unique journey of your deliverance will speak to those mine won’t. Isn’t that great?!
5. Do it
We spend so much time caring about the external image we push out to the world. Don’t let the standards of our culture affect your witness.
Record a video, write a blog, or make a podcast. Get your story out there, and let God use it.
Want us to share your story? Submit it here!
One of my favorite stories that we recorded for Hearts of Hope.
