I was mesmerized by my father’s stories about World War II. He was a Merchant Marine and he would talk about being at sea, fighting the enemy and strategies of defense. His stories were also about commitment, fear, courage, clarity, bravery, patriotism, exhaustion, and the strong bond between his comrades and himself. Telling these stories were healing for him and our relationship.

What I learned while working on my undergraduate degree in speech and drama and what I learned as a mental health professional, is that telling your story is powerful and healing. But wait there is more!

• Stories bridge the gap between you and the listener.
• Stories bring generations together.
• Stories build relationships.
• Stories are fun and creative!
• Stories mentor.
• Stories create interest.
• Stories show empathy and deepen emotional impact.
• Stories build intimacy.
• Stories show the way.

I encourage you to share your stories. If you are not sure where to begin, look around you, stories are everywhere. In fact you are living a story right now. One more thing, stories can also be a way into the soul.

Fondly,
Sharron Thurlkill, M.Ed., LPC
Lutheran Counseling Services