You might object if I told you that your story matters and needs to be shared. You’d probably acknowledge that some stories are significant and need to be shared, but yours isn’t one of them.
But I want you to know that your story matters to me. Not someone else’s but yours. And your story matters to others as well.
Some of you know me on a first-name basis, and others know me only through my blog.
I think about you every time I sit down to write. I imagine the heartaches, joys, obstacles, opportunities, fears, and hopes you experience daily. I believe we share a lot in common.
We both live in a broken world, surrounded by broken people, and we are both longing to be a little less broken today than we were yesterday.
Let me share the four compelling reasons why your story matters and needs to be shared.
First and foremost, your story matters because of the unique perspective you provide to the world. Second, sharing your story helps me understand who you are and who I am as well. Third, your narrative has the potential to influence my worldview and future decisions, as well as those of others. Fourth, we need each other because we are supporting characters in each other’s storylines.
Your story matters because it is uniquely yours. Someone, possibly me, needs to benefit from that unique perspective.
You are an original. No one else has your unique perspective or voice.
That is a good thing. You will see my blind spots and alert me to some things that could potentially harm me. Your feedback is invaluable. Your dissenting voice, although not always welcome, has been a blessing to my life.
And others have benefited from your unique perspective.
Your story matters because it helps me to discover who I am and who you are.
Our relationships with others often define our identity. For example, I am a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, caregiver, life-group leader, speaker, blogger, advocate, Dallas Cowboys fan, and Christ-follower. All of these designations are descriptive of a relationship of some sort.
What you have experienced and how you responded to it have defined your identity. It has also defined mine.
I am grateful for the stories you have shared with me and your extended attentiveness to my stories.
Your stories take me on a journey of discovery.
Your story matters because of its potential influence on my current worldview and future decisions.
Your story has had a profound impact on my life. When I was in pain, you shared a cup of coffee and listened. When I was alone, you invited me into your group of friends. You encouraged me to dream and believe. You lovingly told me hard truths that no one dared to address. (To cut down on absolute statements and triple-check for typos.) You were patient when I lashed out in anger or misspoke.
My perspective on so many issues has benefited from your influence in my life. It may not have been your intention, but you have changed me for the better. And I know I am not the only one.
I believe that your influence, and mine, has a ripple effect that will continue long after you and I are gone.
Your story matters because we are both supporting characters in one another’s stories. We need each other.
Without you, my story would be incomplete. No man is an island. The pandemic has made me realize how much we need and rely on one another. Man can not survive on Amazon delivery and binge-watching alone. We are born with an innate need to form bonds with others.
Thank you for showing up each week to read and share your feedback.
I know that your story matters to God. He is the author of both of our stories. He unconditionally loves you and is invested in you. The God of the universe, the master storyteller, wants to write a redemptive love story about you.
Call to action
Your story matters, and my life, and others, are better because of it. Hopefully, you feel the same. So, can you set aside some time this week to share your story with someone desperate to hear it? Also, would you consider forwarding this article to someone who needs it?
Bonus: Relevant Magazine has a beautiful article on this same subject that I highly recommend.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in May 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.