By Donna Johnson
Worship Team Chair
Our stories help us know ourselves and know what matters in our lives. “Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories.” (Chimamanda Adichie)
We tell the story of who we are.
“I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” (Brené Brown)
We are shaped and created by stories.
“Stories shape us in so many ways—when they resonate with our own experience, they tell us something about who we are. When they jolt us into a new perspective, they broaden our sense of the world. When they share where we have come from, they remind us that we are part of a larger narrative……Sometimes just sharing our story and having it be held by others is helpful. Sometimes hearing a story that sounds like yours, but with a different ending, can give you hope. Sometimes listening to someone whose perspective is totally different opens up new worlds and new understanding.” (Rev. Emily Gage)
We are connected by stories.
“Humans make meaning by connecting stories.” (Rev. Karen G. Johnston)
“…..stories connect us in ways that abstract thought and opinion do not.” (Rev. Rod Richards)
Stories set us free.
We cannot wish old feelings away nor do spiritual exercises for overcoming them until we have woven a healing story that transforms our previous life’s experience and gives meaning to whatever pain we have endured. (Joan Borysenko)
Stories have power.
“Those who tell the stories, rule the world.” (Proverb, exact source unknown)
Stories drive social change.
Storytelling is dangerous to those who profit from the way things are because it has the power to show that the way things are is not permanent, not universal, not necessary. (Ursula K. Le Guin)
Change the story, change the world. (Terry Pratchett)
…Those without power
risk everything to tell their story
and must.
Someone, somewhere
will hear your story and decide to fight,
to live and refuse compromise…
(Laura Hershey)
Find the Soul Matters packet for May here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Ndz9dkg1Hu-3C3PHGEKVNLPbv8OIPLU/view?usp=sharing