The power of storytelling was evident as he spoke.
The honoree, upon accepting a special award of recognition, shared a glimpse of his past during his speech. As a young child, while he couldn’t protect his mother from pain, he did the next best thing: brought her joy. Though his childhood was traumatic, he chose to find laughter through the tears.
Until this moment, the opinions of this man varied. In the brief moments he used to share his story, he became more endearing to the listening audience as their hearts warmed towards him.
Storytelling has the power to shatter the barriers in our hearts.
Something else happened as he shared.
His words offered a deeper context for the content that he writes, produces and directs. Suddenly, his characters, his storylines, his creative works were assessed with a newfound level of respect.
Storytelling helps us to better understand one another.
Followers of Christ have a story to share. There are moments in our past and present when Christ is actively doing remarkable works for us. If we told our stories, hearts would soften and respectability would grow as our story offers context to who we are and why we behave the way we do.
When people choose to share their story, handle it with care. Listen carefully. Not to critique or rebut, but to learn from their experience.
Let this newfound awareness increase our respect for each other.
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Sabrina Jacques-Rowe
Communications Leader
Henderson Highway Church