Your story is important.
Your voice is important.
When you’re ready, they can do a whole lot of good for someone else going through the same type of battle you overcame. I’m incredibly grateful for the people in my life who have shared their struggles and victories, their encouragement and listening ears, a hug and “I’ve been there,” thankful to know I wasn’t alone.
You’ll very likely just know when the time is right to speak up. God will bring the exact people into your life who need your particular brand of hope and understanding, who need to know that someone else has been through what they’re going through and has made it to the other side.
Coincidentally, these conversations often start with our saying nothing at all, with a knowing expression or kind smile, with our simply being present for someone going through a difficult time, but inevitably—as they open up—it will click that THIS is why you were meant to meet and that you have been given God’s green light to open up as well and to share your story with them.
YET, we can miss it, friends. When we ignore the Holy Spirit we miss out on the blessing. His still small voice, that stirring in your soul, can get lost in all the noise and busyness. Being completely present with another human being often takes intention and practice in our fast-paced, time-conscious, tech-reliant world. Those aren’t bad things, but they can create challenges to personal, authentic connection if we let them.
What gifts the time and undivided attention of another are!
So, take a breath, settle in for the life story whenever you can, listen for God’s voice in theirs prompting you to speak love and empathy, grace and prayer over them. Your time and care tell them they are valued and important, that God sees them and sent someone to them who can relate and offer encouragement or at the very least an attentive ear.
Friends, God gives us testimonies for a reason, not just testimonies of our salvation but also of our lives and what He’s doing in them. They aren’t meant for us alone, just as life’s path isn’t meant to be traveled alone.
We were made to be in communion with God and in community with others, and our words have the power to hurt or to heal.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Proverbs 18:21 ESV
Death and life, friends! Those are strong but true words. As a thrown stone may harm the body, a careless word once spoken can do just as much damage to the soul. No pressure, right?!
BUT … what I’ve found in my own life, is that when we speak in obedience to His call (that’s the key), the most amazing thing happens … all the good and thoughtful and just-right words come flowing out because they aren’t completely ours anymore—they’re also His!
You may feel awkward at first and not even remember exactly what you said, but the person you’re talking with will remember … because the Lord will have prepared their hearts ahead of time to receive the message He wants them to hear.
From a believer’s perspective, there are no chance meetings when God is our guide, only divine appointments in accordance with His will.
So, you see, your story is important, whether you realize it now or not.
Your voice is important, whether you have found it yet or not, and if you haven’t, be assured that one day—when you least expect it—you WILL, and you’ll be given the opportunity to help someone else find their voice as they navigate the same storm you just weathered.
“A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, And how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!”
PROVERBS 15:23 AMP
So good! The unburdening of our souls with one another can be like a soothing balm, healing and peace-giving, strengthening and clarifying. It’s no wonder that resiliency often blossoms out of self-reflection and authenticity, out of connection and a willingness to be emotionally forthcoming. Autobiographical storytelling can be such good medicine!
So, share your story when you’re ready, friends.
Keep tuning in to the Spirit inside you.
And don’t be surprised if you find that your heart needed to share it as much as the person in front of you needed to hear it.
Resources:
Why Sharing Your Story can Offer Real Health Benefits
