Your story matters because story is a powerful, God-given means of communication.

When I was a young Christian and a new writer, I spent one winter out on our wilderness island in Alaska writing a novel. I still have it, though it embarrasses me to tears. It’s not really a novel; it’s a book length sermon meant to drop every reader to her knees in repentance. The story line is almost nonexistent. I’ve learned a few things since then.

One is the power of story. Real story. God’s Word is full of story. In fact, the entire Bible is basically God’s story of Redemption, told in many voices, through many lives. Story engages not just our minds, but our hearts, souls and bodies. Jesus used story often to ignite his listener’s attention and imagination. What does God’s love look like? Jesus tells a story about a father who receives his prodigal son with joy. How do we love our neighbor? Jesus tells a story about a man attacked by robbers and left for dead, rescued by a Samaritan----the least likely hero ever.

Now, I write mostly memoir, stories from my own life. I write them as honestly and fully as I can, with details and clarity. They don’t have to lead my reader to repentance; they simply have to tell the truth about my life, my experience, and the ways that God has shown up. 

In our post-truth culture, our stories are the most powerful way to communicate. Few people are interested in theological arguments. Even fewer will listen to religious clichés. But they’ll still listen to a good story well told. As a friend recently said, “Most of my children and my grandchildren have walked away from the church. They won’t listen to a sermon. But maybe they’ll hear my story.” 

Yes, I say to him, to you, to myself. Tell them a true story. Tell them a truer, better story than they’ve heard. 

WRITING PROMPT: Write a story about when you saw love powerfully exhibited. Include details to the reader can see, hear, imagine herself present. Resist the temptation to sermonize. Let the story itself carry the weight of the message.

Prayer: Lord, I know how much you value story and how much our world needs good stories. Teach me to be an effective storymaker so that my words too can bring hope, beauty, goodness and truth into the world. For your honor and glory, Amen.