I once had coffee with a lady who told me that she struggled to believe that her story mattered. In the busy pace of raising kids and trying to be a good Christian, she had been beaten down by the lie that none of it mattered. And the truth is, I’ve had that conversation way too many times. Not only with countless people over coffee, but with myself.
But what I’m learning more than anything else is that someone else’s hope rests on your response to your story. Your story, even the ugly parts, can shine light into someone’s darkness.
Although our stories are cracked by periods of interruption, I believe that everyone’s story matters. There’s meaning in the minor inconveniences of flat tires, head colds, and parking tickets, and there’s meaning in the more impactful, life altering tragedies.
When our loved ones die from cancer, when high school football coaches are intentionally run over and crippled for life, when homeless children live in garbage dumps, and when parents have to bury their children, it still matters.
No matter what you’ve been through or what you’re going through, someone else needs your story.
Story Living and Story Telling
The first thing you and I need to remember is that we’re never promised a story free of disruption. However, we are all given the freedom to choose how we will respond to those disruptions. Our response is what brings our stories to life.
Sometimes our response brings about hope and encouragement and inspiration while other times, it brings about despair and destruction and darkness. Curiously, the same story can have a polarizing effect based on the perspective with which we choose to respond.
If you gain nothing else form this article today, I hope you gain this:
You have the power to dictate the story your life tells.
Once you embrace that power, you begin to own your story.
However, a unique tension exists. We blast our stories across social media letting ambition drive our efforts. Or, we fall into the trap of faux humility, becoming too worried about what others will think.
So how do we become a better steward of our stories?
Your Part in the Story
In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul, whose story is remarkable in itself, tells us a truth that beautifully weaves all of our stories together for a greater purpose. Paul writes, “All things work for the good of those who love the Lord.”
He continues by saying:
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
Friends, God is at work within your story. That realization allows you to transcend yourself and see that you are part of the bigger picture. It is in Him where your story finds its meaning. In Him, you are conquerors. In Him, you will overcome.
Now, it’s not my place to tell every story, and that’s where you come in. I challenge you to join us, purpose your story for good, and share it through the lens of His love.
My invitation to you is to take the RICH Life Challenge. This is a free, 7-day devotional that I have created for us to begin living on purpose so that we can begin living with purpose. Currently, more than 350 people have taken the challenge and the feedback has been incredible.
If you’re looking to awaken your story, I hope you would consider joining us. You can sign up below:
My hope is that you would begin to own your story by surrendering it to God. I believe that He will speak into your life and He will show you His purpose. He works all things for good.
MH
If you love stories and are looking for inspiration and encouragement, check out my book, Redefine Rich, on Amazon. This book is at the heart of this movement and message and it is my hope that it will give life to your own story.
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