​Why It Is Important to Own Our Stories

“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” Brene Brown
 
We have all been there many times. It is the point in a conversation when we can either share about our mess or move on to something else. There may be good reasons to not be vulnerable and expose ourselves. But lots of times there are very good reasons to do so.

Unpacking the above quote from Brene Brown, I will name some of them:

1. It is better to befriend our story than run from it: I had symptoms of bipolar disorder about fifteen years before I was diagnosed. In that time, I was haunted by the possibility of being mentally ill in a way I didn’t recognize. The manic episode which precipitated my diagnosis nearly took my life. Yet, as I gained perspective, I realized the hunt was over. I didn’t have to run anymore. My battle had a name and with help I could fight it as one who overcame. This meant I had the freedom to share my story from a place of confidence and hope.
2. Embracing vulnerability opens us up to a full life: In some places, there may still be a stigma related to whatever struggle we have. This makes us want to clam up and not offer ourselves. Yet, as we are vulnerable about this life-altering journey, we shed layers of shame, doubts about who we are, and feelings of ‘less-than’. We say ‘my mess has not made me. It is a part of my story, but it isn’t the whole of my story. Right now, I choose love. I choose joy. I choose life. I stand tall, brave and strong.’
3. All parts of our story tie together: We are all here for a reason. There is transcendent meaning and as we choose life, we find it. So, even those dark places have something profound to teach us and others. As we voice the things which have cost us, we make peace with our loss. This peace translates to our story and can have the ability to affect others for good. Their struggle may not ours but something else. Regardless, we have left an imprint by our choice to be present with ourselves and them as we share our story.
4. Vulnerability produces strength: It’s the paradox of our humanity. As we are open about our weakness, we acknowledge there is a core resilience which cannot be defeated. We rise from those proverbial ashes. And, as we do, each time standing taller, we raise an anthem within us. This song can never be destroyed, because it is integrated with all ultimate reality, namely the hope of God.​
5. When we hold back, afraid of hurt, our story is lost: We are each wonders who have stared down hell and overcome. It is true—there may be those who do not or cannot understand. Ignorant comments may hurt us. But this is not where we focus our eyes. Our stories come from the deepest places within us and nothing can take away their beauty. When we make the choice to always hold it all close, we deprive the world of something, of someone, glorious.

There is all the grace in the world for where you are at, sister. Yet, truly, as we share our stories of hope and redemption, of mess and mourning, we shine the light on He who IS the Light of the World. And our words hold an integrity, an authenticity, which would be missed otherwise. This is relevant apologetics which will draw many closer to He who desires to encompass all of our stories in His Great Story.

About Abigail

​I am wife to a wonderful man, mama to three precious now-little-but-soon-will-not-be loves. Each born in a different place--two states including 2 states and 2 countries. I am a farm girl who found her heart in the city. I can now claim fluency in 3 languages :: English, Spanish & Hungarian.This combined with the all-too-true 'mommy brain' explains much regarding my mental state most days;) I am a sojourner longing for Home. Yet, in my messy and broken, I embrace the moments given with all I have. I am seeking, praying, and learning again and again that it is for His Glory I live. My prayer is that my little life would make much of Him! I write regularly at Abigail Alleman.
If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.

---