The Power of Sharing Your Story
Opening up and sharing your story with vulnerability is a courageous act that can lead to profound growth and connection. By being open about our struggles, fears, and failures, we not only demonstrate our authenticity but also create a safe space for others to do the same. Sharing our vulnerabilities can inspire empathy, build trust, and foster deeper relationships. It allows us to break down barriers, shatter stigmas, and show that it's okay to be imperfect. Embracing vulnerability in storytelling empowers us to embrace our true selves and find strength in our shared humanity.
So….here is one chapter from my story. At the age of 15, as a high school sophomore, I remember the first time I was invited to prom. I was so excited to go with a group of friends. My mom agreed to let me attend with a stipulation. I had to clean the house before getting ready for prom that day. Needless to say, this stipulation did not make me happy, but I was always a compliant child and I did what I was told. I felt a little like cinderella. Unfortunately, my story doesn’t have the same fairy tale ending….
Before I left for prom on that rainy day on Saturday, my youngest brother, Dustin, ran into the kitchen with mud all over his feet. I was so irate I didn’t even grasp the significance of what he was telling our dad. Bub fell in the creek. You see, my brothers had gotten bored that Saturday afternoon, and they went on a horse back ride. They attempted to ford a flooded creek on the way back home that afternoon. Bub fell in the creek and Dustin ran home to get help.
My parents sent me to prom and went to look for Bub…then community members joined them….law enforcement was called…..then news vans arrived…..once I got to prom someone said….her brother is dead and she is at prom??? I started to cry and my prom date took me to the creek. When we got there I couldn’t believe my eyes! People searched on both sides of the creek bank. News vans lined the street. The creek looked like an angry, swirling body of water. It was like a scene out of a movie.
Mother’s Day was the next day. Still no sign of Bub. My parents were exhausted and family members were coming in from out of state. Finally, on Monday, divers pulled Bub’s body out of the creek over 1 mile from where he entered.
This was the first trauma I experienced in my life. This terrible tragedy has helped me to understand the importance of leading with HOPE. The world needs hope now more than ever. I have created a system of self efficacy using the acronym of HOPE, H is for habits. O is for optimistic outlook. P is for passion, purpose and perseverance. E is for excellence. This system will helps you build self efficacy and lead with hope despite the traumas and tragedy we face in life.
Self efficacy is the conviction that you can produce outcomes!! We all have greatness within us. Leadership starts with you. You can’t lead others well if you are not leading yourself well. Take a long, hard look in the mirror and start today. The world needs hope, and the world needs you to make an impact! What is your story? Be vulnerable and authentic and share your story!!
“All things work together for the good of those who love God.” Romans 8:28
