This post is the second post in a series on The Power of Story. Today’s post focuses on truth and how we can get defensive about simple aspects of story–such as the meaning of “truth”.

“This is My truth” is a common phrase that has been used for the last couple years. There are normally several responses to this phrase and they usually are not healthy. One response is to get defensive and be ready to fight. This is a favorite defense mechanism in the Church as we somehow think arguing people into the Kingdom is a great idea. (Note: Look at the Gospels. Jesus never had to argue someone into the Kingdom). The stance taken in this argument is to downplay someone’s saying of “my truth” and replace it with “Jesus is the truth”. The issue with this you are not understanding why that person is saying “my truth”.

“My truth” is someone’s sharing of their story and what they have endured. Has it been overused sometimes in our culture? Yes, greatly! However, when someone shares their experience (especially in regards to trauma), telling them that “only Jesus is the truth” can be a little over the top. Jesus is the truth; however, this is something that a Jesus follower adheres to. And when someone shares “their truth”, they are not saying that Jesus is not the truth. They are simply stating their experience, perspective, trauma, etc–and how it has shaped them.

So in your story, how do you handle “truth”?

1. Get in the Word. Spend time getting to know Jesus and who he is.
2. Write down things that have happened to you that would deem as traumatic.
3. Review the traumatic things that have happened to you. Remember this, each event could involve pain due to the actions of others, yourself, or a mix of both. Own what is your responsibility. Grieve the wound.
4. Forgive the other person – in person or in your heart. It will set you free.
5. Remind yourself daily that your story and God’s story intertwine and to be mindful of where you are seeking truth from–aka: the news, social media, political allegiances, etc.

Everyone loves stories. Whether we are book readers or not, there is nothing better than hearing or telling a good story. Good stories cause us to stop what we doing, listen with intention, and want to share that particular story with others.

Your story is powerful. It is not powerful because of you willing it, being “self-made” (which is not a real thing but that is another blog post), or because it is about you. Quite the opposite, your story is powerful when God is the Author. Your story is powerful when you stop trying to play God and let God be who He is–God.

Here is where free-will comes into play. God gave us the choice of free-will because He did not want to force himself onto us. He gave us free-will because there is great security and freedom when someone chooses someone (God, friends, romantic partner) because they want to. Think about forced relationships, etc. I am not talking arranged marriages. Think of friendships where you tried to keep forcing it because of the length of friendship or what that friendship was. You keep forcing it and there is nothing there.

Relationships that we choose and willingly cultivate will lead to more joy and creativity in how we live out our God-inspired story. God wants to write your story. He loves you deeply. His love does not change based on your actions, weird political views, or how much money you make. Here is how to get to know the Author of your story………

• Check your assumptions about God (the Author). Do you view him as a God holding a magnifying glass and burning you (the ant) like in those old cartoons? Do you view God as someone who is only for the person who looks like they have it altogether? (Note: no one is perfect. No one!)
• Spend time in the Bible. Find a translation that works for you. I may be a pastor but I cannot stand the King James Version or New King James Version. I can’t picture Jesus talking in thees and thous.
• Talk to God. Just talk, cry, pray, yell, worship, etc. Just talk.
• Start to pay attention to how God is with you throughout your day.

In our next post, I will discuss “sharing your truth” when sharing your story.