Stories can change lives. I learned this when I was living in a small beachside town in Florida. As an Australian, this was a big deal for me—I was an intern at a nonprofit located on the other side of the world, and I was asked to share my story on the organization’s blog. Within minutes of the blog being published, I saw comments pouring in online. Over the next few months, people told me my words gave them courage to stay alive. 

In that moment, it felt like I was living out my life’s purpose. I was sure God had put me on earth to tell stories—so much so, I studied to become a journalist. Scripture tells us, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by  the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11a, KJV). 

I was seeing this in real time, and it was powerful—and intoxicating. 

I wanted more people to see my words, and I knew I had something important to say. At the time, people weren’t talking about depression and suicide in church circles very much. I knew God was using me to change the narrative. And I was all in. 

You can understand why I was gutted four months later when I posted a blog online and was told I had shared too much. I was on my way home, heartbroken and disillusioned—and I wasn’t afraid to tell people. In the midst of my hurt, I revealed my bleeding heart to them in an effort to find meaning from my pain. I had shared my story, but with the wrong audience.

Jesus the Storyteller

That was the first time I learned that every story is important—but when and how we share our story is just as important as the words themselves. Jesus chose His words carefully, shaping His parables around the people He encountered. He saved certain revelations for His disciples, and even then, only some moments for His closest friends. Jesus didn’t tell stories to hear the sound of His own voice (or keyboard), He told them with purpose and intentionality so that God’s will would be done on earth. 

Our words can bring heaven to earth. How and when we say them is important because stories are sacred. And your story—of hope, faith, struggle, survival and love—is how God can show other people they are not alone in this world. 

We Are All Storytellers

What is your testimony? We throw that word around a lot in church circles, but it’s just the story of how we have experienced God in our lives. It doesn’t have to include fancy words, or even a “come to Jesus” moment. It just has to come from a genuine, authentic place. Then God does the rest. 

We are all storytellers. And I have seen people tell stories through song and art, through movement and tears, through service and perseverance, through quietness and ear-splitting noise. It goes to show that sharing your story isn’t a one-size-fits-all, because God speaks to everyone differently.  

How To Share Your Story, Like An Onion

Sharing your story can be scary. When we share the vulnerable parts of our lives with people around us, we risk rejection and misunderstanding. But we don’t have to be afraid. Telling your story can be as simple as breathing—but it helps to understand the layers of storytelling, and who has access to each layer, before we share.  

Think of your story like an onion. 

THE BUD (you and God) 

At the core is your deepest, most intimate struggles and victories. This is your quiet place with God. These parts of your story are still in process, still healing and incredibly sacred. In an onion, this is known as the bud. You may share parts of this with certain people when you trust them inexplicably. 

The outer bud (people you trust) 

Around your core are the people you trust the most. They have gone through your story with you or become loyal and trusted friends. You can be vulnerable with them and they can be vulnerable with you. They will hear parts of your story no one else gets to hear. A counselor also fits between this space and the bud. 

The scales (your community around you)

This is your wider community—the people in your life you aren’t close to, but you see regularly. We begin to share our story in this setting when we are in a healthy, functional place and don’t need validation. Your example and vulnerability can give these people courage to seek help and share their own story without shame. 

The tunic (the general public) 

This is the outer layer of the onion and represents the most basic part of your story—the details you feel comfortable sharing with a stranger. When I do this, I am selective about what stories I share. I won’t tell people about my current emotional state, or the names of the people involved. I’m giving them an overview of God’s goodness rather than an essay. 

How (Not) To Tell Your Story In 30 Seconds 

When I was in youth group, I had a leader teach me to tell my testimony in 30 seconds. Then he asked me to tell my story in one minute. Then five minutes. The idea was that I could share the gospel in a short span of time before I was cut off. But telling your story isn’t necessarily like that, because storytelling is about relationship. Our stories aren’t sermons—they are our hearts meeting hearts. 

Now, before you panic and think, “I have to go up to every stranger on the street and tell them the story about how God saved me,” take a breath. There are already people in your life who want to know your story. Start with your bud and your outer bud—they have lived this with you. And when you feel ready, look for chances to share your story with a wider audience. But don’t force it—God has a way of opening these doors at the right time. 

When Not To Share Your Story

If you couldn’t already tell, I’ve had plenty of moments when I have overshared. I’ve typed blog posts and published too quickly, and I’ve triggered people rather than helping them. I nearly always have the best intentions, but I had to learn to process my story in a safe way before I shared it to help others. So, before you share your story with someone, ask yourselves these questions. 

Have I had a chance to process my feelings?

Give yourself at least 24 hours before you share anything with your wider community or the general public online. If in doubt, leave it in your journal.

Am I looking for validation?

Your worth is found in God, and you deserve to be validated for your pain. But this is not the role of a stranger. Save it for a counselor or close friend.

Do they need or deserve to hear my story?

Will your story encourage them right now? If so, how much do they need to know? And will they honor your story? 

What is God saying to me right now?

Is God prompting you to share your story? Ask Him what He wants you to share and invite Him to use it. 

Your story is important. Don’t compare it to everyone else’s—after all, every book is different. Instead, trust that God is writing a beautiful story through your life. A story that first introduced you to Him, and now has the ability to bring hope to others. You are not disqualified, but rather with the Holy Spirit in you, you are more than qualified. So, start small, and see what God can do through you.