What’s Your Story?

By Erin K. Casey –

“I don’t know where to start.”

“I don’t think I have that much to say.”

“I’m not really all that special or unique.”

My writing career has given me the opportunity to talk with A-listers and mega-millionaires, but some of my favorite interviews have been with “regular” people—those who shy away from the spotlight and think of themselves as “normal.” When asked to share their stories, the conversations often begin with statements like those above.

Their humility, though endearing, prevents them from understanding that their stories are powerful and invaluable to other “normal” people. It’s difficult for most people to imagine themselves as the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a movie star. But an everyday person? They’re easy to relate to. They’re like you and me. They’re people who are “nothing special” but have learned or experienced something important—and their wisdom has the potential to benefit countless others… if only they’ll share it.

The same scenarios hold true for our Christian stories; everyone has one. The “big-name” Christians tell their stories from the pulpit, on television, and in magazine interviews. Oftentimes, they are dramatic and exciting—taking us from the depths of despair to amazing joy, even tears. They are thrilling, well-rehearsed, and for some, difficult to relate to. Don’t misunderstand me. Without question, there is an important place for stories like these. They demonstrate the extremes to which God goes to make HIS story known.

You Have a Story… Even if You Grew Up Going to Church

But what about those of us who grew up attending church, who knew from “cradle roll” classes that Jesus loves me and all the little children of the world? Our stories are often far less dramatic. Certainly, we were lost in our sin before we confessed Jesus as our Saviour. The joy of knowing we have Him as our Shepherd, Brother, and co-Heir thrills our souls.

And yet, we don’t know where to start when it comes to sharing our faith stories… or if what we have to say will really make a difference in someone else’s life. In comparison to someone who found Jesus in prison and then completely turned his or her life around, our simple stories of life-long faith seem anti-climactic—not “all that special.”

Your Story IS Important to Share

I don’t know your story yet. (I do hope you will share it with me!) What I do know is that if you are a Christian, you have incredibly important stories to tell. Yes, stories. Plural. God’s grace and power are not exclusive to a one-time salvation moment. Jesus is alive and active in your life every day!

I believe it is as important to talk with Christians about what God is doing today and how the Holy Spirit helps us navigate this treacherous world, as it is to talk with people who don’t know Jesus yet. Saved or searching, we all need to be reminded of God’s interest in us individually and His love for us personally.

What about you? Do you know your faith stories? Or do you perhaps feel that your stories are “not all that special?”

Want help discovering your story? Read Get Personal and get the free Get Personal Story Journal at ShareYourFaithStory.net. You’ll discover stories from your past and become more aware of how God is active in your life right now.

Erin K. Casey is a wife, mom, writer, and photographer. She is the author of Get Personal: The Importance of Sharing Your Faith Story, as well as the children’s adventure series: Zany Zia’s Hats to Where. Through her stories and images, she hopes to inspire people to see God at work in their lives. In 2013, Erin and her husband, Brian, joined a church-planting team in Ireland. You can learn more about Erin and her work at ShareYourFaithStory.net and ErinKCasey.com.