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The impact of your story, and why you should tell it
In isolation, the human experience can begin to feel unique. In the spaces of silence, we can begin to feel ashamed by our struggles, and the silence will grow louder still. It’s not long before we believe that we are broken or undeserving of love because we are just so uniquely bad. The sacred act of telling our stories not only breaks the silence and connects people together, but it takes the name of Jesus far and wide. Rahab reminds us that stories of God spread among people and hearers are often moved to greater depths of faith, service and understanding of who God is. “I know that He Lord has…
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Give the Gift of Good Listening
Few doubt the power of a good listener. This is why we have counselors, spiritual directors, coaches, and (in the missions world) debriefers. Basically, we pay people to listen because effective listening is a learned and precious skill. And a gift from God. I recently had the privilege of being debriefed. I recounted something I was wrestling with to someone who listened actively and non-judgmentally. As I processed aloud, I found I could release the angst that incident had produced and find clarity. I realized I could let it go and no longer dwell on it. Telling one’s story in a safe place brings resolution, healing, and growth. This requires…
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The Old New Story
North Americans seem obsessed with new stuff. I used to love International Coffee’s Cafe Vienna, until they "updated" the flavor. So I switched the "French Vanilla." But they did the same thing with that! Somehow we seem to think that "new and improved" is always better. If you don’t believe me, walk down the aisle in your grocery store and count the number of times you see "new!" written in bold on the front of a product.
