Storytellers

The past year has taught me a very valuable life lesson; there is power in a story. There is meaning and life and hope and lessons and fears and frustrations and doubting and hate and love and healing and hurting in everyone’s story. Simply put, your story is what you’ve done, where you’ve been and what you’re doing, where you’re going. Some would argue, but I see little to no difference in a person’s “story” and their “testimony.” Semantics really.

In some circles, the phrase “live a better story” has become a life mantra. Regardless of personal preference on semantics, your story has the power to make a difference. If your goal is to be like Christ, then the life you live is your greatest witness of Jesus Christ. What you do echoes louder than anything you’ll ever say. With such a convicting thought process in place, would anyone be changed by your story? Would anyone be inspired or encouraged to pursue God after hearing about your life? Would others enjoy reading or hearing your testimony? Are you satisfied with your story?

For me, it has all boiled down to one simple word. Legacy. Am I leaving the legacy I want? Am I acting on things that will one day be talked about by someone I never had a chance to meet? Please don’t mistake that for arrogance. It’s not me wanting fame or fortune. It’s simply me wanting to matter. It’s just me wanting to do something in God’s kingdom so big, it affects people I’ll never meet. I want to live a better story. I need to live a better story.

The United Pentecostal Church International has lost some spiritual giants over the last few years. Honestly, too many names to post in this short blog. Nevertheless, men and women who lived some of the most profound and inspiring stories I’ve ever heard. Whether they set goals to leave a legacy or not, I’m not quite sure. What I do know is that their story changed my life. It changed the weekly church services I attend.  It changed the books I read. It changed the way I study my Bible. It changed the way I pray. It changed the conventions and conferences I attend. It changed the way I approach my marriage. It changed the way I want to raise my future children. Their legacy, their story, changed my life. But the most convicting part of their lives hinges on the fact that I never personally met any of them. Imagine leaving such a legacy, living such an incredible story, that it affects people you’ll never meet. It changes the way an entire generation approaches the Kingdom of God.

I’m not sure how God will do it, but I hope my story matters. I hope my story transcends my passing. I hope there is power in my story.