Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

It happens, you’re having a conversation with someone and suddenly they say something about you, your life, your kids, your spouse, maybe even your dog, and that comment is so ignorant or insensitive that you wonder if or how you should respond. Either they really don’t know you well, or they have some ridiculous stereotypes, assumptions, or misconceptions about your life.

I believe that most of the time people don’t mean to be rude, they simply don’t know what they’re talking about. As a special needs mom, I have heard some ridiculous and hurtful comments. No, disability is not contagious. As a Latin woman, I have heard some absurd stereotyping. No, not every Mexican in this country is illegal.

We all need to understand that every person is as unique as their life, we need to know truth. And this is why we need your story!

I’m also convinced that there is someone out there that desperately needs to hear your story!

When my daughter was born with Down syndrome, I struggled with her diagnosis. I wished for her to die because I was terrified about her diagnosis. Then I found the book Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives, with personal stories from mothers that actually lived life parenting a child with Down syndrome. Their stories gave me hope and they allowed me to dream. Through their words, I understood I was not a horrible mother, but that for some of us this is part of the grieving process. Their stories gave me a picture of a beautiful life and a bright future. A life filled with joy and a love so great that I actually looked forward to this journey with Down syndrome. Their stories helped me know I was not alone.

I needed to hear from someone that had walked the road before me.

And maybe someone needs to hear from you, or perhaps you need to hear from someone else. Isn’t it beautiful, how we are all connected? God is a relational God, and He created us for relationship. We are meant to do life together. Together! You and me, telling our stories, learning from each other. Sometimes we do the teaching, and sometimes we do the learning. And God uses our stories.

Why is your story so important?

Perhaps someone needs to know they are not alone.

Perhaps someone needs to be encouraged and know things can get better.

Perhaps someone needs to know how God has moved in your life because they are struggling to see God in theirs.

Perhaps someone needs to be educated, and to know a story outside of their own experience.

Every story matters because stories change hearts!

I know, you might be tempted to think your story is insignificant. As if you were a common dandelion, we’ve all seen one. But there is nothing insignificant or common about your story, because nobody else has ever lived your life, and your experiences have shaped who you are!

It is the pain we walk through that defines the women we are…it hones the difference we make. It isn’t something that we achieve by strength and character and virtue and strength and savvy. It is something we receive with open hands by God’s grace. And that happens most when we feel broken and humbled and empty and totally inadequate—and we make that choice to trust that God will make His difference in us and through us, right in the midst of our brokenness.

—Dr. Leslie Parrott

Your life is a story, a unique story, and only you can tell your story!

Every person that hears your story will be affected in some way. Yes, maybe only in a small way, but you never know, you never know when your story might make a difference in someone’s life!

Because of your story someone could chose life.

Your story could give someone courage.

Your story might allow someone to dream big.

Your story could cover someone with hope.

Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

We need your story!