Storytelling to Transform Grief into Legacy for Christian Writers

The Story

We were squished in the narrow seats of an American Airlines plane on our way to Dallas. She shared how her husband died 6 months ago and she felt compelled to capture their legacy stories for her grown children and grandchildren.
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I suggested she consider transforming these personal anecdotes into a published format on Amazon, either as an eBook or a physical book, ensuring their accessibility for generations. Demonstrating with my own publication, When God Calls a Writer, I handed her a tangible example of what her efforts could yield.​

“This is what it could look like.” I pulled my book, When God Calls a Writer, from my backpack and placed it in her hands.
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“Can I read it now?” Taken aback, I wondered what it would be like to have someone read my book in front of me…
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“Sure.”

For the next hour and a half, she sat quietly beside me, turning the pages I labored over years ago. It felt surreal. The ensuing silence as she leafed through the pages of my book was punctuated by her reflective comments and earnest inquiries. This interaction not only validated my work but also illuminated the profound connection forged through shared stories.
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“Wow. This part is really good.” Then, later, “Where did you get these ideas? Are these truths you lived?”

“Yes.”
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Despite my initial fears of someone reading my book in front of me, I also felt incredibly seen and validated as a writer.

Why Sharing Your Stories Matters

​​The reason I’m sharing this moment is that so often as writers, we imagine our readers as faceless people out there. The truth is that each of our readers is a person with hair, flesh, and personality. Each of our readers has fears and hopes, insecurities and strengths. Remembering the reality of this allows us to bring our own humanity and personality to what we write.

Visualize encountering your reader in an everyday scenario, sharing a snippet of your life as effortlessly as you would with a close friend. Each reader brings their unique perspective, enriching your narrative with their experiences. For us, especially as Christians, it’s vital to remember that our words can do more than inform—they can connect and resonate.
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The more alive and immersed we are in our writing, the more our readers will be.

​​This is my encouragement to you:

• Share your story snippets on the airplane, in line at the grocery store, and with your loved ones.

​Do not hoard your stories and ideas. Be a story songbird who greets the sun by sharing your words, allowing them to emerge from our pens and soar into the world.

Your Words Can Change Lives

​Your role as a writer extends beyond crafting narratives; it involves touching hearts and shaping lives. Continue to cast your stories into the world with bravery and purpose. Your words possess the power to heal, inspire, and transform. Keep flinging your words into the world!

Tell us in the comments: Who will you share your words with today?

Stay Curious and Keep Writing, Friends!

Deanne Welsh