your chronic illness story matters
STORY MATTERS
Stories are vital to community. They are how we connect and learn about who we are, why we’re here and how we belong. Story preserves history and elicits laughter. It plunges us to the depths of ourselves and sets us soaring across the skies.
Yet writing our stories can be challenging.
Where do we start? What do we write? Will anyone care? Does it even matter?
Storytelling has, in some ways, become a lost art in this sound-bite technology age — but have you ever considered that those of us with chronic illness are blessed to move more slowly, to have the gift of time to rekindle this lost art?
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, there are many ways to share our stories – in writing, through music and art, in drama and photography, by talking one-on-one or in audio and podcast formats.
Story is where hope begins.
It is the tale of our lives, connecting us to one another and shattering isolation.
As we express the stories of our lives, our perspective shifts and we begin to see from a distance what we were unable to see in the moment.
If you’ve ever thought about sharing your story, we’d love to help. We’ve created thoughtful questions and helpful tips to get you started. But remember, these are only a place to begin.
This is your story.
We welcome your submissions. Click here for our guidelines.
Story Matters
Creatively Express Your Story
We can feel isolated and powerless when living with chronic illness, but what if your story begins to bridge those barriers? What if your story offers a glimmer of hope to someone standing at the edge of hopelessness?
Metaphor
The Language of Pain
Sometimes what we experience because of chronic illness, mental illness, pain, or suffering can not only be difficult to explain, but also (for those who don’t experience it) difficult to understand. Metaphors can be a useful tool.
Your Story Matters
We each have a story to tell. You have a story to tell and your story matters. There are many creative ways to tell your story. You can write it, draw it, sing it, paint it, dance it, act it, or build it. Every story is unique -- and every story matters.
BLOG POSTS
My Child’s Mystery Illness – Addison’s Disease
MY SON'S MYSTERY ILLNESS One month after my son, William’s sixteenth birthday, he lay in the pediatric intensive care unit, unconscious. The attending physician said his condition was grave. “If you and your husband are praying people, I advise you to do so. He’ll likely not live...
A Story of Hope • Sam Re
Sam’s story doesn’t end in that place of “not yet,” in that long pause between what was and what will be. Because there is hope. There is always hope.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Your Story Matters: Finding, Writing, and Living the Truth of Your Life
Leslie Leyland Fields
You Gotta Keep Dancin': In the Midst of Life's Hurts, You Can Choose Joy!
Tim Hansel
Life can be tough. Stress, disappointment, heartache, hurt -- all are part of the human condition. While pain is unavoidable, misery is optional! No matter what your circumstances, you can choose to be joyful. In Hansel's powerful account of God’s working in one man’s physical and emotional suffering, he and we discover the real meaning of joy.
To Be Told: God Invites You to Coauthor Your Future
Dan B. Allender
Would you willingly overlook clear direction from God that speaks directly to you and where you are in life right now? God’s guidance is near at hand. He is not only your Authority, he is also your Author. As God writes the stories of your life, he uses your past to open up your future. It is your privilege to listen to your own story so you can live boldly for the sake of the Greatest Story.
When God Doesn't Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can't Live Without
Laura Story
Laura’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The fairy-tale life Laura had dreamed of was no longer possible. Yet in struggling with God about how to live with broken dreams, Laura has found joy and a deeper intimacy with Jesus. She examines the brokenness of some of the heroes of our faith, and shows how God was able to use them in extraordinary ways, not because of their faith, but because of the His faithfulness.
EVEN MORE
The shortest distance between strangers and friends is a shared story about our broken places.
“The shortest distance between strangers and friends is a shared story about our broken places.” Lisa Jo Baker
What if your story offers a glimmer of hope to someone standing on the edge of hopelessness?
“What if your story offers a glimmer of hope to someone standing on the edge of hopelessness?” Cindee Snider Re
We endure hours of waiting, difficult days. and seasons of joy and grief – all of which contribute to the stories of our lives.
We endure hours of waiting, difficult days. and seasons of joy and grief – all of which contribute to the stories of our lives.
Each of us has a story- a unique, valuable integral part of the whole story of God. Your story is important. It matters.
“Each of us has a story- a unique, valuable integral part of the whole story of God. Your story is important. It matters.” Cindee Snider Re
Storytelling and personal narrative have the ability to reach…the ones shoved out, marginalized, and made to feel “other” or “less than.”
Storytelling and personal narrative have the ability to reach…the ones shoved out, marginalized, and made to feel “other” or “less than.” When you’re the one on the fringes, one of most powerful things someone can say to you is, “Me too.” ~ Nish Weiseth
Stories are radical acts of hospitality.
“Stories are radical acts of hospitality.” Eugene Peterson
Your broken story does not need to be fully resolved before God can begin using it to inspire and encourage others.
“Your broken story does not need to be fully resolved before God can begin using it to inspire and encourage others.” Laura Story
We “serve one another humbly in love,” (Galatians 5:13b) when we courageously and authentically share our stories.
We “serve one another humbly in love,” (Galatians 5:13b) when we courageously and authentically share our stories.
The scars you carry from the past are telling the story of how God has saved you, carried you, and changed you.
“The scars you carry from the past are telling the story of how God has saved you, carried you, and changed you.” Christina Fox
As I share my story, I realize that I am not alone.
“As I share my story, I realize that I am not alone.” Cheryl Luke
Our story, like the story of all mankind, is steeped in hope and nourished in love.
“Our story, like the story of all mankind, is steeped in hope and nourished in love.” Cindee Snider Re