Share your story!
December 5, 2025 | Lisa Cox
About the author: Lisa Cox is a retired school counselor. She and her husband, Kyle, have three sons—Jacob, Tyler (married to Samantha), and Jordan. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys walking with her Bernese Mountain Dog, Moby; boxing with Rock Steady Boxing; and reading and writing.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
The Bible is full of stories of those who walked before us. Through their trials, mistakes, and victories, we learn not just about them—but about God, whose story unfolds through each of theirs. Scripture is more than a record of human experience; it’s God’s story told through people, pointing us back to a relationship with him - a relationship that brings us hope.
When I read these stories in the Bible, I’m reminded that God is also writing his story through my life. We each have a story to tell—of failures, lessons learned, and moments of grace. As long as we are alive, our story is still being written, and it may be the most powerful tool we have for sharing the gospel.
I have Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s is part of my story. Having this disease sometimes feels like I am on an island all alone. That is until I go to Rock Steady boxing, an exercise program specifically for people with Parkinson’s. I met a friend there and we decided to meet for coffee one day with our spouses. We shared our frustrations, our struggles, our faith. We shared our stories with each other. That simple act lifted our spirits, made us feel less alone, and gave us hope.
At Christmas, we all celebrate the moment God entered our story—when his story became human in Jesus. What a gift that is! And what a gift it can be when we share our stories with others. Not our perfect stories, but the real, messy ones filled with the mercy of Christ.
This Christmas season, would you join me and commit to give the gift of your story to someone God places in your path and listen as they tell their story to you. This is not easy, and it might happen over time as you build trust in each other. You risk vulnerability. Sharing your story might build a new relationship, deepen an existing friendship, or change the course of someone’s life. Sharing our stories may be what leads someone to developing a relationship with Jesus. It might bring someone hope. God told his story through scripture, and he wants to tell his story through you and me, too. It’s how we pass on hope.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for giving me the story of my life. I know that you are guiding me through each chapter. You have been beside me through the joys and the sorrows and will be with me until the end. Help me to see how you are shining your light and bringing hope to others through my story. Give me the courage to share it with people who will gain encouragement from it, not just the plot that seems perfect, but the messy parts, too. And, help me to be a good listener as others share their stories with me.
Amen