“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou.
Duppy Stories
I won’t lie to you, “I’m a sucker for a good story.” I remember, as a child, those frightful and dreadful duppy (ghost) stories my grandmother would tell me. In those days we had no electricity where we lived in St Mary, Jamaica. We lived in an area that was more populated with trees than houses, so you can well imagine how scared I was of the dark. Oh how I hated the dark, for fear one of those duppies might harm me! It took many years before I overcame the fear of the dark, all because of those stories.
Nevertheless, despite my negative first encounters with stories, I have throughout my life remained fascinated by stories, and I am still a sucker for a good story. Perhaps you are like me. My preference of course is non-fiction, because truth often times is stranger than fiction, and my own life can certainly attest to that. Recently, I went on a mission trip to South Africa and Uganda and I realized once again the power of stories. I shared the story of my healing journey at several shelters for abused women and the women were impacted deeply. Stories have a way of inspiring and giving hope to others like nothing else can. Stories are like seeds which later become trees to produce much fruit. I want to encourage you to share your story to help others win at life.
Benefits of Storytelling
A story can be defined as “a narrative or tale of real or fictitious events. ” Jesus of Nazareth, was a master storyteller and he used stories to teach great spiritual truths and principles to regulate our earthly life. The number one bestselling book of all times, the Bible, is packed with non-fictional stories. A story is an excellent communicative, educational and inspirational tool. In stories are wisdom and life for those eager to learn and for those eager to gain wisdom, knowledge and understanding. As Jesus would often say, “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear.”
On my YouTube channel, “Design to Win” I have started a playlist of Caribbean Inspirational Stories. These are from persons who have and will be sharing at our Behind TheSmile Live event and interviews to be done in the future. Watch the fascinating marriage and ministry story of “Dr. Donovan and Faith Thomas,” authors and founders of Choose Life International. Click story to see. When a story is shared not every hearer will understand but it is my desire that the stories shared overtime on this platform will be heard by those with ears to hear.
My Favourite Stories
My favourite kinds of stories are those relating to the triumph of the human spirit over adversities. I’m often spellbound by the stories of men and women who rise from obscurity and humble beginnings to positions of power, influence and wealth. I am inspired by stories of those who refused to quit when the going got tough, and by persevering so gained the object of their pursuit. I am absolutely awed by those who snatch life from the jaws of death, laughing in the face of sickness and disease. I am moved to tears by stories of self sacrifice for the greater good, or for a cause bigger than the individual; of those who refuse to relent of their beliefs in the face of torture and death.
Oh how the blood of the martyrs in “Foxe’s Book of the Martyrs” still speak and challenge me centuries after their pilgrim on earth ended! Stories of those who defy statistics are a constant encouragement. As an unmarried, woman in my thirties, I am encouraged by those who find true love and family in their latter years, when they least expected it. I rejoice and am moved by those whose broken relationships are mended, and those who eventually find healing for their wounded souls.
Share Your Story of Triumph
Someone, somewhere out there right now, is defying the odds. Wouldn’t you love to hear that story? Perhaps you are the one reading this blog. I’d love to hear your story and I’d love to share it. Help me unearth amazing stories that will inspire us all to become all that we can be. Life is filled with miracles for those with eyes to see them. We are all capable of becoming and doing far more than we can imagine, and when we know that someone, somewhere, has defied the odds and attained the “impossible,” hope surges in our hearts. Suddenly we too realize that our dreams are indeed possible, and we too can accomplish our goals and attain success. Do stay tuned to this blog and get ready to be amazed by true stories of success! Who knows, the next story could be yours! You too can become amazingly successful and then I’ll blog about your success! Have you heard an amazing story lately?
