When I was a child, I used to love being read stories by my parents and teachers, regardless of whether they were being read before bed or out loud during class time. I was not sure if I loved listening to stories because I did not need to make the effort of reading words out loud or because all I had to do was sit and listen while the storytellers read beautifully. I was just sure that listening to stories made me happy. As I got older and silent reading became a must in class, I started to dislike reading stories because of the amount of work needed in reading and understanding the context of these stories.
Now, imagine that you are on your first day at a new job and you are meeting a new co-worker. You introduce yourself to them – starting off with your names, describing your previous employment, and thinking of some random topics to break the ice. As days pass by, you begin to converse more with this new co-worker and share similar tastes and interests with them that you start to build a new friendship. Will you choose to let that story continue or will you end it and your friendship there?
As people who love to communicate with one another, every conversation sparks another chapter of a story unique to the storyteller. The disciples – who contributed in writing the stories in the Bible – became great storytellers because they inspired each other to share their stories. As a result, sharing these great stories with each other and with the people they encountered created a ripple effect: one person tells another person about their story, that person tells another person the same story, and the storytelling expands.
Great stories do not end by those mentioned in the Bible. These stories continue with us.
A great friend once told me, “We are all storytellers.” With that extra title beside our names, we should not be afraid to converse with one another. Our stories of joy, sadness, improvement, and milestones are stories not meant to keep to ourselves but to openly share with others. The next time you have a conversation with a friend or someone new, imagine yourself as a child and your friend as the storyteller. Listen with intent and enjoy the story. Sooner or later, you will not only become tellers but keepers of the great stories of our blessed lives. In return, do not be afraid to share your own story! I pray that through God’s grace, I may be able to hear your beautiful stories as well.
“ Jesus told the people many stories like this. He told them as much of God’s words as they were able to understand. He did not tell them anything without a story.”
– Matthew 13:34
What stories will you share?
Cris Sy – Brother High School Based Mission Volunteer | CFC-Youth Pacific Region
