The power of the story

One of the lessons I learned as a facilitator/trainer was that there was power in the story. In fact, it was a lesson that I learned very early on in my career. Basically, I discovered that rather than simply telling my workshop participants the benefits of a new approach, telling relevant stories went a long way in getting them to really think about it.

None were made up. They were always real, as they were typically based on experience and what lessons were learned from it. And I did not sugar-coat them; some were positive while others were not, but they all had value, and that was what I hoped the participants would see. It was an effective way to challenge their way of doing things and even their mindset.

We know that Jesus was a masterful storyteller, and in today’s reading, Luke demonstrates his own storytelling ability as he shares Jesus’ story of the unjust judge and the widow. Personally, I find this style of writing powerful and much easier to remember.

Your words, Lord, come in many forms. Some are direct and others in the form of stories. Let me be open to them, regardless of their form. Amen. — DR