Have you ever come across something so striking that it made you pause right where you stood? I had that kind of moment recently at a Christian women’s retreat. In the middle of a lighthearted game, I noticed a simple hand-painted picture–and it stopped me. Not because it was elaborate, but because of the simple message written on it. The words felt personal, almost like they were meant just for me: “To tell you my story is to tell of Him.” In that moment, my spirit became still, as if God was gently reminding me that every part of my story belongs to Him. While the other women finished playing the game, my heart and soul were reaffirming this truth: every chapter of my life carries fingerprints of His grace.

Some recent chapters of my story have been quite traumatic, including the loss of my fiancé four years ago to suicide. I thought my story was over the day he passed away – that God had no more use for me and that I was destined to suffer and endure tribulations for the remainder of my life. The morning after my fiancé’s death, I told God that I was willing to take a step of faith forward, expecting Him to keep His promises embedded in His Word. Now, I realize that the first step was never just my strength; it was Him writing His faithfulness into my story. “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV).

God’s faithfulness in the midst of my circumstances has transformed my relationship with Him: deepening my love, strengthening my trust, and refining my obedience. As I surrendered both my pain and will into His hands, He began to shape a new chapter of my life. Over the past four years, He has redeemed my circumstances, restored my faith, and renewed a hope I once thought was lost. In His infinite wisdom, God has taught me that my faith is not rooted in my circumstances, but in who He is in spite of my circumstances.

Six months after my fiancé’s unexpected death, I was invited to be the keynote speaker for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. My initial response was that it was too soon; I was still carrying overwhelming grief and uncertainty about whether I was ready to share my story. However, God had a different response, gently leading me to agree to share my story at that point in my journey. So, I responded to the invitation by being willing to share my story if I could include God’s role in it. In essence, my response illustrated those words that stopped me in my tracks at the recent women’s retreat: “To tell you my story is to tell of Him.” The event’s sponsors graciously agreed, allowing me to share a faith-centered perspective as an example of healing through such significant loss.

Since that event, God has faithfully opened additional doors for me to share my story. In doing so, I have found Revelation 12:11 has become deeply woven into my journey: “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” As fellow believers, we are given the means to overcome the enemy: the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Our stories of God’s grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness are not meant to be kept to ourselves but rather shared to bring hope to others. Thus, I encourage you to share your story. You may not feel it is the “right time,” but as I have learned, God is not bound by our timing; He works in His own perfect way and season. That picture that stopped me in my tracks–the one that reminded me that my story is woven with God’s presence–was given to me as a prize at the end of the game. It now hangs in a place of honor in my home, and its message holds an even greater place of significance in my heart. The song, “My Story,” sung by Big Daddy Weave, illustrates the beauty of sharing our story:

If I told you my story,/You would hear hope that wouldn’t let go./And if I told you my story,/You would hear love that never gave up.

And if I told you my story,/You would hear life, but it wasn’t mine./If I should speak,/then let it be of the grace/that is greater than all my sin.

Of when justice was served and where mercy wins!/Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in/Oh, to tell you my story is to tell of Him (lyrics by Jason Ingram and Michael Weaver).

I pray that you will be willing to share your story, believing that God can use every detail to point others toward His hope and healing. God bless.

Dr. Shelley L. Myers, United Campus Ministry Coordinator at Pennsylvania College of Technology