“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” Psalm 22:22
In the first days of my accelerated nursing program, I remember the fourteen of us starting to share our stories with each other. Some were older, some younger. Some were married or engaged, some were not. Some had kids, others had dogs. Some had been through the military or a whole different career in accounting or teaching, while others had just graduated the day before the start date. We were all coming from different places, different experiences, and various spots on our journey.
It was truly one of the most amazing groups of people to watch come together in such an incredible way. We were all so different, but as we learned more and more of each others stories, the more tight-knit that the bonds became. By the time we ended the 15-month program, we were like one big family. We picked on each other, challenged each other, laughed with each other, stressed with each other, and supported one another no matter what. We wanted the best for each other and we wanted to watch each other succeed. Even after years of sports, it was one of the closest groups of people that I have ever been a part of.
Sharing your story is instrumental in so many ways. Looking back at my nursing school experience, it is so evident how important it was for each of us to crack open the door of our lives in this way. Through the stories of my classmates, I could begin to see their motive and their heart. I could hear their passion for this journey that we were walking together and I could begin to see how they had been shaped by their experiences. And most of all, I could see their drive to complete the challenge that laid ahead.
I want to ask you this; when is the last time that you shared your story?
Every time that I am surrounded by new company, or even when given the one-on-one opportunity with a chatty stranger, I am reminded of the beauty of the stories that we have each been given.
Brothers and sisters in Christ. You have been given a unique story. It is so easy to step back and convince yourself that your life is boring or that your story is bland or even that your story doesn’t matter, but that is far from the truth. Your story was perfectly written by the best and most creative Author in the world.
You think your story is boring? I dare you to ask God for some excitement.
You think that your story is bland? Ask Him for a curveball.
You think that your story doesn’t matter? Well, you’re just wrong.
Every single detail of every single day is an equally important part of your story, SO SHARE IT!
Three reasons.
- Sharing your story can be beneficial OTHERS. It can bring comfort to the outsider. It can build bonds between strangers, such as with my nursing classmates. It can bring encouragement to a nearby ear, as you never know just what someone needs to hear.
- Sharing your story can be beneficial to YOU. It can generate greater thankfulness within yourself as you begin to connect the dots. It can help you to see God’s ‘behind the scenes’ work. It can help you appreciate where you are and where you’ve come from.
- Sharing your story WILL BE beneficial to GOD. Your story is a great gateway into sharing His story, thus leading others to Him. He has written your days, give Him the glory.
I was once encouraging a friend to share her story, when she said, “But it’s not like everyone else’s.” Let’s just say that she shared her story with our entire team that night and there was not one dry eye under that roof. Her heart was transformed as she spoke and others heard exactly what they needed to hear through her testimony that night, even in what she thought were the minuscule details.
She was right, her story was not like everyone else’s. And you know what? Your story isn’t like anyone else’s either. Friend, you have been given a beautiful story. Don’t void God the joy of watching you share it with excitement and don’t keep it for yourself. Someone needs to hear your story, and it just might be you.
