Usually the first words I speak in the morning whether in a prayer or to a co-worker or in a class are the hardest to get out of my mouth. My voice might crack or I might not be awake enough to communicate with proper diction. Shattering silence takes bravery, even with a simple “hello”.
Not because “hello” is intimidating. No, because of what lies on our hearts, what we are processing internally and in our heads. In that moment, seconds before our voices are heard, fear might slip in. Before stepping in front of a camera, or speaking in front of people (5, 50, 500, it wouldn’t matter), or participating in a discussion there’s a small whisper that has enough of an intimidation factor to let the thought run through my head that my voice is
weak.
Why speak at all when someone speaks better than you?
Why speak when someone can speak for you?
Why speak when no one listens?
There are other influential stories being told and conversations being had that are more eloquent and impactful than yours, right?
Wrong. So, so, so wrong.
Yes, impactful stories, conversations, prayers, devotionals are being had and made anywhere and everywhere but yours is no less important. If you are biting your tongue on love and hope and joy…even pain, sorrow, or what’s staggering you because you think the story is better coming from someone else then you are devaluing the potential of your story. It may be in a conversation with one person, or it may be in a conversation with an audience of one million. You may be doing others a disservice if they are going through something similar. Maybe your story would be just what they need to hear.
Your story is important. No matter what is said, no matter what’s been done, your story matters. You are a person with a body and a soul and a heart that has been impacted by the world or by circumstances or maybe even by the grace of God.
Since I have been sharing my stories with you over the past few years, I would love to hear yours. This is something I have never done in my amateur blogging experience, but I know there are many of you with a story to be told. Even if you think it is bland, even if you think it is too messy, and even if you think it isn’t worthy of being told. It can be your life story, or it can be what happened to you in the grocery store yesterday. It can be polished work or you know…I am perfectly fine with the imperfect. I would love to read the rough drafts, the messy, the broken, the blemished, the redeemed…
If you would like to share your story you can email lesteelizabeth@gmail.com. I sincerely would love to hear from you, and with your permission, consider telling your story anonymously in the future. I am so looking forward to hearing from you!
I hope that you own your story. It may be the most vulnerable, courageous, and authentic thing we ever do.
I see now how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do.
-Brené Brown
The Celeste Elizabeth 