Have you ever been fascinated by someone’s story? Maybe someone comes to mind who has an extraordinary story and shines despite what comes their way.

I love stories, stories that unwind from the pages of books and stories spoken through the life of others. What I’m beginning to learn is to love my story. Do I shine through, always strong? Not always, but the grace of the Father reminds me that I can find beauty in every part of my story.

He delights in my story, and He delights in yours.

Desiring to learn from the stories of others, I have been on the quest to read books by other authors that are new to me. One book that I have discovered that has allowed me to grow closer to embracing my own story is Try Softer by Aundi Kolber, MA, LPC.

I love finding these treasures in books and can relate to her words. Kolber writes, ” . . . many of us have deep shame around our feelings of anxiety and disconnection – as if we should be stronger than we are, or just “get over” our fears.” She expressed how we should honor our stories and have compassion for ourselves. Friends have taught me that same principle, and Jesus has carried me through that process.

Some pages of our story include our struggles. We may be able to keep our struggles well hidden in our everyday lives. Or maybe we simply don’t choose to honor the places of our story that we struggle most with. Thankfully, Jesus gives us the grace to embrace and honor ourselves.

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

Jeremiah 31:3

Jesus shows such kindness to us. Jesus intertwines our stories with His everlasting love. And just as He has drawn us with unfailing kindness, we should show that same kindness to ourselves.

Show kindness in your own story. If you battle anxiety or disconnection (something we don’t often talk about), can I encourage you that one, you’re not alone? And second, you can find healing. There is hope that anxiety, disconnection, or any other hardship does not have to be the final words of your story.

Maybe your story is profound and extraordinary. Or maybe your story is quite ordinary. No matter the words you would describe your story, what matters most is what Jesus says about you. View your story in the eyes of Jesus. How can you do that? I have found sitting down with Jesus, reminding myself of the great One living within me, has invited me to His table. And He listens.

Because He bends down to listen. I will pray as long as I have breath!

Psalm 116:2

He bends down to listen. When we’re telling someone a story, the other person listens. The greatest listener and the One who understands is our Jesus. Share your story with Him. Of course, He knows your story. He knows every detail, but your story is honored as you take it to Him.

Honor the stories within and around.