Tell Your Story

Today’s a new day! When you hear a powerful testimony of someone’s struggles in life what do you think? Maybe you feel sorry for the person. Maybe you feel a little uncomfortable, and wish they’d kept it to themselves, because it’s difficult to process or know how to help. Or maybe it’s just like your own story, and hearing it makes you feel a little less alone, a little more part of something. Sharing our testimony is powerful.

When we share our challenges with each other, we’re taking a part in breaking down any obstacles and opening a space for people to say, “I’ve been there too.” 

Silence in the midst of life’s storms is dangerous. Too many people are walking through life being silent because they feel alone or they don’t want to burden others with their problems. We need to speak up. We need to share our stories. When we share our journey, we have the opportunity to encourage others walking through their own struggles. To let them know they are not alone. I believe besides feeling like they would be a burden, some people are scared to share their feelings because they would be seen as weak or lacking faith. Do not fall into that lie.

If not for the love of God and the support of many during my crazy beautiful health journey, I would be a mess. After a period of not sharing my journey, God gave me the boldness to share my story. During this long health journey, I have been blessed to hear the amazing stories of people walking through their own health journey. Their stories have touched me in profound ways. These stories help me remember how I continue to make it through and build a sense of community where we can all encourage and affirm one another. I’ve spoken with many people who thought that their experience wasn’t “good enough,” or that it wouldn’t impact anyone enough to be worth sharing. But what I’ve seen over and over is that each person has their own specific life experience and way of telling their story. The way you tell a story might get through to someone in a way that no other story has. Every story matters.

So my encouragement and challenge is to stop being silent. The only thing silence accomplishes is more isolation. Being silent while facing the storms of life, creates more people who feel alone, who feel that they have nothing to offer. Our ability to share with one another is powerful — let’s engage it. Keep sharing your journey. You never know who will need to hear it one day. Plenty of people are struggling with chronic health issues and other life challenges, but hide it so well that no one realizes what they’re going through. Each time we share our life experiences we spread love, hope, encouragement, awareness and support to those walking through their own challenges. So let’s open up a little more and be honest about where we are and what we’re going through. If you’re currently walking through a battle, please reach out. You are not alone. ~OC