It seems culture is currently obsessed with storytelling. With people telling their personal stories. We read them in books, watch them at the movies and listen to them on podcasts.
And for the most part, the biggest stories are those filled with the storms of life. Why is that?
I don’t think it is a Machiavellian side of culture. I think hearing the storms, strategies, failures and triumphs is what we currently need in culture. Much like when you crave a food in response to a deficiency.
For watching others navigate their storms provides us with necessary nutrition. It gives courage hearing of another’s despair and perseverance. It offers hope that the light will shine again. It generates ingenuity and creative thinking in looking at a situation from another angle. And it brings harmony, empathy and community as we recognise our shared experience and shared desire for grace. Even extravagant grace.
It is funny that the storms of life are what can bring us together. And when we add understanding and acceptance, then honest community becomes a beautiful bi-product.
Absolutely ? amen