Everyone has a story!

Yesterday, in discussions with a group of people, I was reminded that “everyone has a story”. One of the greatest joys I’ve had over the past few years is meeting face-to-face with people and listening to them answer the question, “So, what’s your story?” As you can imagine I get some interesting looks as I ask the question. Some conversations proceed to be very surface level, however, other times individuals open up and share deeply. In both cases, I always enjoy our interaction, however, its the deep sharing that normally truly captures my heart.

While yesterday’s initial conversation was encouraging, later in the day I heard a story which was absolutely heartbreaking. Due to the nature of the story and confidentially, I’m not going to share details. What I do want to share is a video for reflection and pondering. Please click through to watch this 3 minute video from Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-a.

What stands out in the video? Well, one of the things I hope which stands out is the number of people who have a story that we have absolutely no clue. In particular, how many people have deep, dark, heartbreaking stories and current struggles in their lives that you’d never know unless you asked and they chose to share.

For example, Indianapolis Colt’s owner Jim Irsay has recently been in the news for his arrest and addictions. While this wasn’t the first time there had been some publicity of his struggles, would you have every guessed that he was experiencing such internal battles? How many public figures have we “idolized” to some extent only to find out their lives are crashing down around them. Unfortunately, some of these have gone as far as loss of life.

While we hear about the public figures, what about the folks we cross paths with on a daily basis. What’s their story? What’s the pending crisis in their life? Who’s surrounding them to embrace and encourage them along the way? How would you view them differently if you knew? Do you really want to know?

Hebrew’s 3:13 NIV says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Or the counter to this verse might be, “without encouragement of one another daily, we may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness”. Who is that person today that needs your encouragement so that their heart doesn’t become hardened by sin’s deceitfulness? I’m willing to bet that they aren’t too hard to find if you’re open to looking.

So, I challenge you today to slow down and take time to ask someone their story. Regardless of whether they share something heartbreaking or inspiring, I can assure you that they and yourself will both be blessed and encouraged through the process. If you’d like to share your story or experience, please don’t hesitate to comment below.