The Power of Stories

I heard the forum speaker at BYU today, Micheal Flaherty, speak. He is the president of Walden Media, the film company that according to their mission statement has the goal of “rekindling curiosity and recapturing imagination through the development and production of family films and literature.” They are the producers of such films as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Prince Caspian; Charlotte’s Web; Bridge to Terabithia; and Holes.

Flaherty's dedication to promote goodness and virtue were impressive, but he said something that I had never heard before and loved. He said that the Savior in the New Testament is asked 183 questions and only responds to three of these with a direct answer. In response to the other questions he tells a story or poses another question.

Write your story!

I’ve long known the power of stories. I also knew the Savior told lots of stories, but I had never realized that so many of the stories are answers to questions. That made me think about my own life. How many times when I have a question I want the Lord to answer has he given me an experience (when recounted that is a story!) to answer my question? I think that is one of the reasons the prophets have asked us to keep a journal; so that we will recognize the stories (experiences) that are the answers to our prayers.

I have been very lax in my journal keeping lately, but today I am making a commitment to record more of the stories of my life!