“The most powerful words in English are, ‘Tell me a story.’”
– Pat Conroy
There’s just something about a story, isn’t there? Stories can make us laugh, move us to tears, teach us something new, or take us to places we’ve never been. They’ve always been how humans make sense of the world and our place in it. And as people of faith, we’re rooted in stories—stories of a God who creates, who sets people free, who loves without limits.
The truth is, stories have a way of connecting with us like nothing else can. And when the storyteller has a gift? That’s when the magic happens. I think of Eric—one of the best storytellers I’ve ever known. He and his wife, Tammy, used to host college students for dinner every week. After the meal, often Eric would share a story. Sometimes it was one you’d never heard before, and sometimes it was an old favorite you couldn’t wait to hear again. The best part was watching someone new hear that story for the first time.
That’s the power of a story. In fact, scientists say that when someone tells a story, the same parts of the brain light up in both the storyteller and the listener. It’s like you’re experiencing it together. We’re so wired for story that even in our sleep, we dream—our brains just keep on telling them.
This month at Emmanuel, we’ll once again lean into the power of story. It’s become a tradition here, and one I absolutely love. You’ll hear stories of how God has worked in people’s lives through this ministry—some brand new, some familiar, all meaningful. And even the ones you think you know might hit you in a fresh way when told by someone else.
So here’s the invitation: come hear the story of God at work among us. Even better—consider sharing your own. Don’t worry, we’re not asking for a “church resume” or a list of everything you’ve done. We just want to hear how God has shown up in your life through Emmanuel. Be real. Be specific. Tell us about that moment, the people involved, what you felt, and how it changed you.
In other words—tell us a story…