You Have a Story to Tell

We are drawn to big, dramatic stories. The more action, the more suspense, the better. And we love those big, flashy happy endings, don't we?

Sometimes, I think I carry same expectation into my faith.

I can find myself wondering, What does my story really have to offer the world? It's not particularly dramatic. There hasn't been some big, earth-shattering moment recently that changed everything.

In fact, my journey for quite some time now has been one of day-in and day-out faith. Learning to trust God in the ordinary moments. Choosing to follow Him when life is good, when it's hard, and when it's somewhere in between.

It's not exactly the stuff blockbuster movies are made of.

But I've been thinking about something lately. What if the stories we tend to overlook are the very ones someone else needs to hear?

There's an old saying about fishing that goes something like this: Where there's one, there's two. The idea is that if you've found one fish in a pond, there's a pretty good chance another one is nearby.

I think there's something similar about our stories.

If I've struggled with something, chances are someone else has, too. If I've wrestled with doubts, experienced disappointment, walked through difficult relationships, or had to learn the same lesson over and over again, I'm probably not alone.

And if God has met me in those places, there's a story worth telling.

Not because it's dramatic. Not because I've figured everything out. And certainly not because I've arrived at some picture-perfect ending.

But because someone else might be standing in a place I've already walked through, wondering if they're the only one.

I think we sometimes make the mistake of believing our testimony needs to be a story of dramatic rescue. We look at people who have experienced incredible transformations and think, Now THAT'S a testimony!

And it is. Those stories are powerful.

But so is the story of someone who has faithfully walked with God through decades of ordinary life. Someone who has learned to forgive when it wasn't easy. Someone who kept praying when the answers didn't come. Someone who discovered God's faithfulness in the middle of an ordinary Tuesday.

I'm reminded of the man Jesus healed in Mark 5. After experiencing an extraordinary transformation, he wanted to go with Jesus. But Jesus gave him a different assignment.

"Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." (Mark 5:19, NIV)

Go home. Tell your people. I love the simplicity of that.

Jesus didn't ask him to become a polished speaker, develop an impressive presentation, or gather a crowd. He simply told him to share what God had done in his life.

Granted, his story was pretty dramatic! But I think the invitation to share what God has done applies to the rest of us, too.

Because the power of our testimony isn't found in how impressive the story is. It's found in the God who is woven throughout it.

And maybe that's what I need to remember.

My story isn't just the big moments that changed the direction of my life. It's also the thousand little moments that have shaped my faith along the way. The prayers God answered differently than I expected. The lessons I learned the hard way. The times I had to start again. The quiet ways He has reminded me that He is present, faithful, and good.

Those moments matter.

Matthew 5:16 reminds us to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.

Sometimes, letting my light shine means telling someone what God has done. Sometimes, it means sharing what I'm still learning. And sometimes, it's simply living out my faith in a way that encourages someone else to keep going.

I don't need a bigger story. I need to be willing to share the one God has already given me.

Because somewhere out there, someone might need to hear it.

And perhaps the very part of my story I think is too ordinary to mention is the part that reminds them they're not alone.

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

Don't underestimate the value of your story. You don't need a dramatic past, a perfect ending, or all the answers to encourage someone else. Your experiences, struggles, lessons learned, and everyday encounters with God can offer hope to someone walking a similar road.

Think about one way God has been faithful to you, even in something seemingly small. Who in your life might benefit from hearing about it? Don't wait until you have a bigger story to tell. Be willing to share the one you have, and trust God to use it.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the story You're writing through my life. Help me recognize Your hand in both the big moments and the ordinary ones. Give me the courage to share what You've done and the wisdom to recognize opportunities to encourage others. May my story always point people back to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY

Barb has sat in the hard places — and she's learned how to shine anyway. As a speaker, author, and entrepreneur, she brings a rare combination of real-life grit and practical wisdom to every stage she steps on. She's spoken at conferences and taught classes across the U.S. on faith, relationships, leadership, and finding courage in the middle of trials. Her book, Using What's Broken to Boldly Shine, is a journey through transformation — proof that the cracks in our story don't disqualify us, they shape us. Barb holds degrees in International History, Education, and a Master's in Education, and serves as Executive Director and Editor of The Dented Fender Ministry. She also runs a successful real estate and development company alongside her husband in Lebanon, Ohio.

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