Her story gave me goosebumps. After working as a teacher’s assistant for several years, she became disillusioned and frustrated. The administration of the school repeatedly asked her to give false progress reports to the parents of her students. Although she loved working with children, she didn’t want to compromise her integrity.

So she applied for a different job. Before being interviewed, she had to complete a test designed to determine her skills and abilities. She knew she failed the test, so she suggested canceling the interview. To her surprise, the interviewers asked her to stay and later offered her the job! Laughing, she explained the test had been rigged ~ no one could pass it. This employer valued integrity. Out of more than twenty applicants, she alone confessed to failing the test. Because she showed integrity, she received the job offer.

As she ended her story, I couldn’t help but share, “This reminds me of a Scripture: ‘He who honors me…’” She finished the quote with me, “‘I will honor.’”

Don’t we all love a good story? Scientists have discovered that hearing stories increases our levels of oxytocin, which creates feelings of trust, empathy, and compassion. God actually created us to bond through storytelling.

Especially stories which showcase how God works in our lives. These have the power to connect us in deeper ways than other forms of conversation. Would it surprise you to know that I had just met this particular storyteller? We spoke for only a few moments at a baby shower. But because of her story, I felt an instant connection. 

When our stories center on God and His work on our lives, we also connect each other to Him. After all the difficulties of the last few weeks, I needed tangible reminders of His loving faithfulness. By sharing her story, my new friend reminded me God always keeps His promises (Psalm 145:13). 

But our stories actually do more than just remind each other of God’s faithfulness. They help us bring light to this dark world:

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

We live in a fallen world where hurting people look for a reason to hope. They may not pick up a Bible, but they will likely listen to a story. Whether we share about our initial experience with salvation, or the many ways God continues to help us, our stories testify to His loving kindness.

When we tuck these truths inside a story, we tap into another power of storytelling. Stories activate the sensory centers of our brains, which make them easy to remember. Our testimonies become seeds of faith which God can make grow.

Wherever the road leads us next, let’s actively share our stories of the One who faithfully leads us home.