Go Tell Your Story

Storytelling has the power to touch people deep in their souls. I should know, as I have experienced the benefits of storytelling throughout my life.

When I was a little boy, I loved Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. I hung on Fred Rogers’ every word like he was talking directly to me. When the Trolley made its way to the Land of Make Believe, I was transported to uncharted areas of my imagination. I can still hear King Friday trying to rule in his pomposity, Henrietta Cat meowing her sweet messages, and Lady Elaine wreaking havoc.

As I got older, reading became my escape, and my favorite series was the Bobbsey Twins. As an only child, I reveled in the lives of the two sets of twins and their adventures as they solved mystery after mystery.

Throughout my life, storytelling in movies and music has blessed me immeasurably. I think of my favorite movie Up, which blesses me with its humorous yet touching story every time (I don’t watch it often, because it makes my eyes water, wink wink). Matthew West is my favorite singer/songwriter, and, as I listen to his stories put to music, I get the feeling he has been following me around and peeking in my windows. Good storytelling is relatable, and West is a master at that.

Every year, I have two annual events I love to attend: a storytelling festival in my old college town, and my own college’s fall arts/crafts festival, in which I coordinate . . . wait for it . . . the storytelling program! This year I helped write a grant to bring in two professional storytellers to our event, and I was blown away by their talent and their use of story to touch people.

Josh Goforth, one of our guest storytellers, tells stories of growing up in rural North Carolina, accentuating them with music. The guy can sing and play too many instruments to count, and he merges music and story effortlessly to make his audiences laugh and cry.

Tim Lowry, our other guest, is a native of my area and “returned home” to wow us with a variety of forms of storytelling, from personal narratives to renditions of classic stories. He, too, took us on an emotional ride, entertaining and educating us along the way.

Of course, Jesus Himself used earthly stories called parables to illustrate Heavenly ideas. The Prodigal Son, the Lost Sheep, the Good Samaritan—I believe Jesus knew we needed these illustrations to help us wrap our minds around His truths.

Storytelling takes many forms, and we can utilize the form (or forms) we specialize in to pass along powerful truths. What’s your story? And how are you going to tell it? Think about it, and then go tell it.

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.