This means that your past stories are shaping your present life and your relationships with self, God, and others more than you may know. In fact, our stories shape and influence every dimension of our daily life. Knowing the impact of our stories and finding God’s redemptive work within them is vital for emotional, relational, and spiritual health.
Far too often, when the true impact of our stories of wounding and heartache go unaddressed, we find ourselves bound to unhealthy and unfulfilling patterns without hope for change.
In the words of Dr. Dan Allender:
“Healing is about stepping into the fullness of who you were created to be. It’s about reclaiming the parts of you that [evil] trauma, disappointment, or systems of injustice have tried to diminish. Your healing matters because you matter—your story, your relationships, and the unique impact God has called you to make in the world. Healing is not a solitary pursuit. Healing happens in connection—with trusted friends, family, care providers, and a supportive community. It’s a process we walk through together — supported by community, grounded in love, and marked by hope [and abundance].”
Every single person who has chosen to engage the pain in their past or present relationships did so with a combination of hope, fear, excitement, dread, curiosity, and determination. If you feel nervous, excited, hopeful, skeptical, dreadful, and/or curious—you’re in good company.
