How To Begin When You Want To Tell Your Story

Each of our stories is unique and offers another glimpse of our personal interaction with Jesus as we faced personal struggles and survived. 

But having a story does not mean we are ready to tell it. 

The motivation, curation and narration of our stories prepare us for the relation of our stories to others.

Why: The Motivation of Our Story.

Why we want to tell our story matters as much as what our story is and how we share it. 

Sometimes, our stories hurt too much to ever dream of sharing them. That was me. But deep within me was a desire to share and help others to heal and place their hope in God even when their stories seemed beyond help. I had to overcome the fear of others who might come against me as I wrote what God inspired me to write. My motivation was not that I wanted to air dirty laundry (which I desperately wanted to hide) or to get back at someone. Sharing my story was for God’s glory and due to my willingness to finally break the silence that had crushed me so I could help others to do the same. But it took me time to reach that place of pure motivation. 

We have to heal before we can help others heal. 

Otherwise, our stories will not be shared in the right way. Having the right motivation helps our stories be about our redemption rather than our hurt.

What: The Curation of Our Story.

I can honestly be a rotten storyteller. I want to get to the “good stuff” and can gloss over details. However, the details are essential in guiding the reader to be a part of our story rather than just an observer. Taking the pieces of our story and putting them together is an art that produces a cohesive narrative, involving our reader in the process.

Blatantly telling the most traumatic part of our story without preparation might trigger our readers. Likewise, sharing the incredible redemption and happy ending without sharing the struggle to get there will not have the impact our stories deserve.

How: The Narration of Our Story.

How do we tell our story? As a friend to another friend … in the first, second or third person? Or a mix? Since it is our story to tell, it is often powerful to tell our story in the first-person voice. 

As you share your story, show your story. Telling your story is not the same as showing it.

Think about the details of your surroundings as you try to bring those moments back to life. What contributed to you feeling the way you did? Your readers want not just to know your story but to feel it.

When: The Relation of Our Story.

After examining the motivation behind sharing our story, curating the pieces of our story, and figuring out how we want to present our story, processing our story to the point where we have healed and learned from it positions us to relate our story with passion and compassion without falling apart.

All for Jesus,

Denise

Have you shared a personal story? What process did you go through to be able to share your story? Share your experience with us!