December 3: That's My Story and I'm Sticking to It

December 3:

Tomorrow is Midterm at the high school. That means students will receive grade reports regarding their progress thus far in the term.  It also means that teachers have to fill out progress reports, which are then mailed home to the parents. While the term, “Progress report,” is neutral, it generally means that paperwork is completed for students who are earning Ds and Fs in their classes.  Not surprisingly, this time in the term is generally dreaded by students, parents, and teachers alike. 

This year, our principal has added a new progress report form for use.  Essentially, it is a “happy note” that teachers can fill out to send home as well. This report celebrates exceptional work, an extraordinary attitude, and/or noteworthy character.

Even though it means extra paperwork, and even though the other progress reports currently outnumber the “happy notes” I plan to send by two to one, I am going to take the time to do this. Here’s why:

The regular progress reports are rarely effective in motivating students to change or improve; they are merely a paper cattle prod, which is used to shake loose late assignments.  Genuine and specific “happy notes,” however, can be a useful tool for growth. They let the students know that someone is watching – that their efforts and successes have not gone unnoticed.  Good news makes us feel good. Good news brings people together, and good news is a motivator.  Since we like it, we want to have it continue to happen and more often. 

So why is it that we, as believers, are so shy when it comes to sharing good news?

“As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me” (Micah 7:7).  We can say those words with confidence because it’s true.  We all have stories to affirm this truth – stories that illustrate how God has provided, intervened, guided, healed, etc.  And yet, how often do we share those stories, or good news, with others? What keeps us from sharing?

  

      1. We are afraid that our story won’t be interesting or “cool” enough.  

People are drawn to stories. I have talked about this with my students many times. We are self-involved by nature, so when someone starts to tell a story, we tune in. We can’t help ourselves.  Maybe we’re nosey, maybe we are comparing ourselves/lives to the storyteller’s. . .I don’t know.  What I do know is that we listen when a story is told.  Have no fear; no matter what your story is, people will listen. Likewise, if whatever happened is “cool” to you, it will be “cool” to us.  Enthusiasm is not only contagious; it’s motivating.

  

       2. We are afraid that our story will sound a little too “out there” or unbelievable. 

Since when does God ever do something in a conventional way? God is not interested in conformity, nor does He push the “easy” button like in the Staples commercials.  When God asks us to move, it usually requires stretching, discomfort, and (big) faith on our parts. He wants us to be aware that He is God, and “nothing is impossible with God.”  If we are with Him/aligned in relationship, He not only can, but will, make the impossible, possible if it is in accordance with His Will and purposes. So, yeah, more than likely your story might sound extraordinary, but that’s because the God you serve is extraordinary.

  

       3. We are afraid that we will be tongue-tied – that we won’t know what to say or how to say it.

If that’s the case, you are missing the point.  This isn’t about you. If you are more worried about how you will sound, you have put yourself front and center when God should be in the spotlight.  Likewise, you are not required to prepare a formal presentation.  You are sharing your story. . .in your own words. You don’t need to be something you’re not. People appreciate authentic far more than they appreciate polished.  Lastly, you are forgetting that if God is prodding you to tell your story, He is in charge.  He will give you the words as you need them.

  

       4. We are afraid of being ridiculed or rejected.

I see your point; no one likes to be made fun of.  However, there are a couple things to consider. First, think of all the times that Christ was rejected for sharing His story/the good news during his 33 short years on earth.  His self-esteem (if it would have been an issue for Him, which it was definitely not) took quite a beating, but He kept sharing anyway because He was being obedient to God, the Father.  Aren’t we called to do the same? 

Likewise, I have a wonderful friend who has shared her wisdom and perspective regarding seed-casting with me. Since we are humans, we are, by nature, self-oriented.  Believers are not immune.  That means that when believers share their stories with unbelievers, they generally want to be the “closers” – those who help lead the unbelievers to Christ.  However, we are not all called to be “closers.” Some of us plant the initial seeds and never see the full fruition of our efforts. God decides when and where He wants to use us, not us. So when we share our stories with others, those stories may very well be the first few seeds that God plants.  Conversely, if we allow fear and/or disobedience to keep us from sharing, the sobering reality is that we missed out on a tremendous blessing – for us and others.  

“You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain.  You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’ See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for Him.  See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.  He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young” (Isaiah 40:9-11).

“We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near.  People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 75:1).

As the Midterm “happy notes” illustrate, good news makes us feel good, good news brings people together, and good news is a motivator. It’s time to share your story because the good news that you share not only does all of the above; it also brings life – the eternal kind.  

Challenge:  Call someone today whom you have not talked to in a while.