The Power of Story
Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? – Isaiah 40:21 (NRSV)
When is the last time you heard a good story? When did you last tell someone a story about something important to you?
My former church held a storytelling event recently, and it was a revelation. Of what matters to different people. Of how communal events are experienced individually, and how individual experiences can become significant to a community. Of the lasting power of simply showing up for one another. Of our longing to be known.
Our scriptures are filled with stories.
In the story of Noah, we find God using a rainbow to symbolize God’s promise to love us always. In the story of Abraham and Sarah, we learn it’s never too late to give birth to the hope that comes with new life. In the story of Jacob, we consider the redemption of a scoundrel. In the story of Joseph, we notice that our own thriving requires the flourishing of anyone and everyone we have mistreated. In the story of Moses we see how our shared humanity can overcome evil. In the story of Ruth, we learn that stubborn love is stronger than death, more compelling than tradition, and likely to lead to wonderful and unlikely outcomes. And in the story of Mary, we learn that our simple, trusting “yes” to God may reverberate through the ages.
Our lives are made of stories, some of which we don’t hear until a loved one is dead and gone. Our stories are laced with grace, some of which we don’t recognize until we speak our experience to someone else.
What is your story? Tell someone today.
Prayer
Author of our stories, give us eyes to read between the lines and ears to hear beyond the details, that we might know the great gift of your grace.
About the AuthorVicki Kemper is a spiritual director, preacher, writer, and retreat leader living in Western Massachusetts.