Tell your Story

Tell your Story!

• Psalms 107:1,2  “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story..”

• Psalms 145:4 NLT. “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.”

• Psalms 78:4 NLT. “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders.”

Reflection:

I recently heard a statement that resonated in my heart. “The most important factor in building a strong self identity in the life of your child is for them to hear their parents (and grandparents) share their life stories.”  

That statement made me pause and ponder. Why would sharing family stories build identity? When we sit around a family table sharing old stories, does it do more than entertain?

We all crave perspective and context. It is one of the most important factors in learning. Family history is important not only to anchor our past, but it will assist us in guiding us toward our futures. 

Much like the feeling of satisfaction when we find those last few pieces of a 1000-piece puzzle, when a child hears the family stories of trials and triumph, victories and defeats, it is like seeing the puzzle pieces that create the picture of his/her family. It provides the emotional bookends helping them to know that they are connected to the larger story of their family, which in turn gives context to their lives. 

I think that is why the Lord admonishes us to tell our redemption story! We strengthen our identity in Christ as we recount the redemption and goodness of God in our lives.

Last week I had the privilege of hearing a co-worker share his testimony of how he came to Christ. What struck me was both how everyone was encouraged and also how his story opened the door for others to share their stories. What started as one recounting God’s goodness, gave way for everyone else to share and give God his rightful praise.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story.  Why not ask the Lord to give you an opportunity to share about his goodness this next week? Your children will be blessed, others may be will encouraged and God will be praised!