We all have a story. It’s such an obvious statement, but I think we can forget that each person owns a series of yesterdays which influence their today.
This simple truth hit home when I did some volunteer work a while ago. For a month I handed out food and chatted with some of the homeless population of our city. During that time I realised how many assumptions I’d made about people who lived on the streets. And how easy it was to continue making them if I managed to avoid actually meeting them, hearing their story (and sharing mine).
There was the 43-year-old alcoholic who, as a child, was told continually by his father that he wouldn’t amount to anything. And the woman who, like me, once held down a stable job and a pretty balanced life until one day she was involved in a car accident with injuries that lost her that job and the freedoms she once enjoyed. Like dominoes, one tragic event after another led to her time on the park bench.
It’s so easy to cast aspersions on those who seem perpetually on ‘Struggle Street’. And it’s very hard to love and respect people who are mean with their words, no matter what their story. We just want to stay away from them, and understandably so.
But there is something powerful that happens when troubled people (and aren’t we all sometimes?) meet people who love and accept them just as they are. People who just want to pass on the blessings they themselves have been given… People who aren’t afraid to look these hurting ones in the eyes, and offer them time, interest and prayer.
The Bible is packed full of stories, and each of them significant. God is telling his larger story through each person mentioned in Scripture, and he continues to do so today. What are our lives, if not stories that bear telling? Stories which reflect the greatest truth of all. That Jesus came to earth to die, and rise again to secure our freedom, and eternal life beyond the grave.
Our stories matter – yours and mine. And unless we are willing to share them… to invite others into our world… we lose opportunities to give hope. And we miss out on receiving wisdom from, at times, the unlikeliest ones of all.
“Tell me the same old story when you have cause to fear
That this world’s empty glory is costing me too dear.
Yes, and when that world’s glory is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story: ‘Christ Jesus makes you whole.'”
(Taken from the old hymn Tell Me The Old Old Story, by A. Katherine Hankey, 1866.)
It's a God thing... 
Great hymn, haven’t heard it in many years. Thank you for sharing yourself and Christ at your volunteer opportunity.
Yes it’s a classic isn’t it. Pleasure – thanks so much for dropping by!
Our stories so absolutely matter…In Revelation we read that we are saved by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimonies. Thanks for sharing, Alie.
Such a powerful verse Sheila! Thank you, so true…
Wonderful post Ali, really touched my heart. Thanks!
Reblogged this on iLife Journey and commented:
Great insight from a friend and fellow blogger! Hope it touches your heart like it did mine!
Thank you for the re-blog Rick! I’m glad the post spoke to you. Keep inspiring us with your grace-filled stories!
… another reason to blog.
Absolutely Pieter! A wonderful avenue for storytelling.
Thank you for reminding us that ALL of our stories matter. Sometimes I forget and think only the big exciting stories count. God bless you as you listen to stories and share yours too!
Thank you Debbie! They certainly do. It’s amazing how God uses our experiences to be a blessing to others. Keep sharing His story, and yours, with us as it is so life-giving 🙂
Thanks for the reminder that a story doesn’t have to be exciting to be important. Our lives may not be center stage, but they serve a purpose to God.
No worries Janna. Yes, it’s amazing how each of our stories can impact others – I think God uses them in different seasons of our lives, depending on how he wants to speak to others. Thanks for taking the time to read it. Have a great weekend 🙂
Ali, this post is filled with so much truth. It’s so easy to just assume (usually the worst) when we see people in these situations. Spending time together -with anyone – and sharing our lives is really the only way to make our way through the judgment.
Thank you for this…
Amen to that Denise, wise words! There is so much power in hearing people’s stories. Thanks for dropping by. Be blessed!