Just a story?

Sometimes I can’t help but wonder: if we haven’t been personally transformed over the years, then what are we even doing in the storytelling business? Where do all those stories we take in go? Do we just watch them and think, “Well, that only happens in movies”? Are the characters the only ones who need to grow — while we remain safely untouched?

More importantly, if we’re so resistant to change, then where will our stories come from? Are we about to preach paths we’ve never had the courage to walk ourselves? How can we write about genuine transformation that might inspire others, if we always go with the safest choice? If we never knock the doors unless we are hundred percent sure they will open to us, how can we tell stories that offer hope in uncertain times? Or how dare we?

Maybe the answers we’re looking for aren’t that far away. Maybe they’re tucked away in the back drawers we’ve been purposefully avoiding.