Storyteller
I had the privilege to be a part of Exposure Youth Camp this past week in Huntsville, Alabama. For years now this conference has been taking place in part of the Von Braun Civic Center and this years attendance was over 2500. These kids and adult chaperones this year were blessed to hear some really great people tell their story of faith and perseverance. The theme of the conference was “Storyteller” so Travis and I were honored to tell our story as well.
I will admit I was somewhat confused when asked to do this at first. Usually when I am invited to speak somewhere I am given a topic from the Scripture. I have told many stories from the Bible throughout the years. I’ve told the story of Daniel in the lion’s den, Jonah in the fish, the three men in the fiery furnace, and Noah’s ark. Each of those stories are powerful and written for our learning and hope (Romans 15:4). So to be asked to tell MY story was a bit awkward.
Yet, hearing the stories of the others who had been invited helped me understand the purpose. Many of those invited weren’t full-time ministers. There were people who worked for advertising companies, electric boards, children’s homes, and colleges. It was all about how OUR stories are just another way to reveal HIS story. Just as the men and women of the Bible endured every day struggles that inspire us to live for Jesus and to be patient through hardship because of the hope found in Him — our own personal stories will do the same for those who watch us every day at school, work, and the community. History is really all about His-story anyway.
I was also asked to sit on a panel in front of all the boys and the first question we were asked was, “What hinders you from telling your story?” There were several good answers for why we personally and/or collectively are hindered from sharing our story and therefore, His story. I’m not going to go through their answers here because I want you to answer that question for yourself. I want you to think about your personal life story and how you have arrived where you are in your walk of faith. What part of your story could encourage other people in their walk toward Christ or their walk in Christ? Why are you not telling your story? What is keeping you from having your story be a part of His-story?
Ben