We've all had that fear right? If I share with my friends and family they will pull away, or even might not want to spend time with me. I've had those experiences myself. I can remember as a teenager being so excited about my new faith that I wanted everyone to know about it. As I shared what I thought were brilliant insights and theology I watched people's eyes glaze over, and some even told me to cut it out.
The biggest mistake I made was jumping to the end of my journey. I was trying to talk theology while neglecting all of the important stories that brought me to that point. At the time I didn't appreciate the impact of all those little experiences, like my friend's Advent Calendar, or another friend's First Communion class. Those experiences were the sparks that set me on my journey, and it is so important that they keep getting shared.
When I started recognizing the impact that Jacob's Ladder can have, I realized that sharing huge things in the beginning are counter-productive. If a person has only taken a few steps towards the faith life, it is both important and effective to share inspirational stories to fan the flames of faith.
When I was a teenager, I remember all the TV shows had these cool places where the characters would hang out. Charles in Charge had the Yesterday Cafe. Saved by the Bell had The Max. The 90's could be kind of boring, especially in a small town. Next thing I knew a place opened up on Genesee St in my home town of Chittenango, NY. I went in to check it out and there was music, pool, tables and chairs, snacks - all for free. I thought it was too good to be true. With the music pumping in my ears I started talking with the founder, a man named Jeff. I asked him why he was doing all of this. He just looked at me and said, "I'm trying to have a place where kids can come off the streets.
I knew his family was Christian and at the same time I thought to myself, "Wow what a cool guy." Jeff shared just a little bit of his story. He was concerned about kids on the streets and wanted to do something about it. That was all it took and I was hooked.
At that moment I had only taken a few steps on my faith journey. It wasn't foremost in my mind. And yet, that little place was exactly what I needed. I went there often, and always had a great time. Sometimes there were speakers, and I listened to them when I was ready.
My point is that these positive experiences were crucial for me in my journey, and they didn't involve anyone getting in my face and pushing their beliefs on me. They were exactly what I needed at that stage of my journey.
Today the world works differently, but the principles are the same. Isn't it more helpful to hear something that's non-threatening and appropriate to where you are? Wouldn't you rather add value to someone's life than argue with them over who's right and who's wrong?
Today we have Facebook and X and YouTube and all kinds of places where you can share stories of positive impact - stories that remind people that there is good in this world.
I'd love for you to join me on this journey of storytelling. Since I've started it more and more stories keep coming to my mind. To keep up with the latest, be sure to like and follow my Facebook Page. But most importantly, tell your stories.
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