We all have a story to tell. Our lives and experiences are unique and they create a testimony that only we can give. So often we hide our experiences, joys and pain. However, our experiences serve a purpose. Our story and our testimony can impact others in such a powerful way. Experience the impact of telling your story and see the good that it can bring to your life and the lives of others.
Recently I read a book called, “Hope Heals”. It is the incredibly inspiring story of Katherine Wolf. Katherine Wolf suffered a massive brain stem stroke as a young, newly-married wife and mother of a six-month-old. She was rushed into emergency surgery that ultimately saved her life but left her with part of her brain removed and some permanent disabilities. Katherine and her husband, Jay Wolf, tell the story of their horrific and terrifying experience of that day along with the grueling recovery process and the adjustment to life with new limitations.
Their story is incredibly inspiring and full of hope. Katherine and Jay humbly share about their feelings, struggles, help from friends and family, reliance on their faith in God and hope. I strongly encourage and recommend this book which you can find here or more about their story on their website here.
The experience of Katherine and Jay Wolf is probably not one many will experience. Yet by sharing their story, they encourage so many others. Their story encourages others to fight through hard times, to not give up, to be faithful in marriage, to face challenges and to have hope. Katherine and Jay started by sharing their story on a blog and have since written two books, held many speaking engagements and even started a camp for children with disabilities. They could have easily kept their story to themselves but instead they humbly and honestly shared their experiences for the good of others.
Seek Out Inspiring Stories
There are so many stories around us that can inspire and encourage us. We need to take the time to get to know people beyond a surface level and learn about what makes them unique. We sometimes need to expand our circle of relationships to meet people who have something inspiring to share. There are countless movies, books and talks from people who have endured and overcome great odds. All of these stories are treasures just waiting to be discovered.
The Benefits of Telling Your Story
The benefits of telling your story are both internal and external. By sharing our experiences, we process what we have been through and sometimes gain a new perspective. We tend to own that part of our life in a new way. It can be part of the healing process or part of the celebration process to share our unique testimonies.
Don’t forget – no one else sees the world you do, so no one else can tell the stories that you have to tell.
Charles D Lint
The great part is that you never know who needs to hear your story. By being humble, honest and forthcoming in sharing your struggles, you may touch the life of someone going through the same thing. Your story may also change someone’s perspective and inspire someone to think differently. Hearing about someone else’s challenges often strengthens us to face our own challenges. Hearing about someone else’s circumstances often increases our empathy. Above all, hearing stories of great triumphs, like those of Katherine Wolf, help us to be more hopeful.
How to Share Your Story
People share their stories in a variety of ways. Some people have been given large public platforms such as speaking engagements, books and media. Others prefer the intimacy of one-on-one time. For me, I find that I share many of my stories with my children. As a parent, I try to be aware of what my children are going through so I can share stories of my similar experiences. These stories teach my children lessons and let them know they’re not alone in what they are going through.
What is your story? Who do you impact? If you are not sharing your story, what’s holding you back? I think many of us believe that our story is not significant or worthy. We go through trials and challenges but neglect to recognize that part of going through something is choosing how we move forward. Do we keep the lessons that we learned to ourselves or do we share them for the benefit of others?
Challenge For This Week
Challenge yourself to open up to someone and share just a bit more about your story than you have in the past. Be real and authentic.