I’ve Never Told Anyone This, but …
By Linda Slaton
One of the most challenging exercises that women undertake in Embracing Purpose is the sharing of family stories, going all the way back to childhood. It’s challenging for many reasons, not the least of which is that those listening are often strangers. Everyone approaches the exercise wondering, How much should I share? Can a trust these women to keep it confidential?
Having listened to countless family stories over the years, we leaders are amazed at how many times we’ve heard the words: “I’ve never told anyone this, but … “ Each time a woman finishes the sentence, she makes a courageous choice to step out of hiding, to take back the power she once gave away –to an abuser, a painful event, or a dysfunctional family. Spoken in the presence of compassionate listeners, the words usher in healing. Life- change. Trust. Growth. And even faith – faith in one’s fellow man and faith in God’s ability to shepherd us through a fallen, scary world.
I imagine God sitting beside us in our small groups, listening as the storyteller shares her secrets. He knows how desperately she – everyone—longs to be known. Oh, how the enemy must cringe at the words that mark her coming out, “I’ve never told anyone this, but …” While God smiles, the rest of us marvel at having been given gifts from strangers—treasures of darkness. As each person begins her story, I sense God shouting as we kids once did in a game of hide and seek – Come out, come out, wherever you are! Opening our hearts to others, we dash for home and discover, alas, we’re safe!
If you’ve decided to take the plunge into Embracing Purpose, don’t let the very first self-discovery assignment scare you away. It’s so worth it.