Good News ReflectionTuesday of the 27th Week in Ordinary TimeOctober 10, 2006What's your story?

Reflection: What's your story?How comfortable are you telling stories about your faith growth? If anyone asks you why you're a Christian and how did it happen, would you have a conversion story to share? Yes, undoubtedly. No matter whether you were raised Catholic or in some other Christian denomination or found Christ later in life, you have a story that could help others.

Actually, you have a number of conversion stories. Any time your life changed as a result of discovering something new spiritually -- taking you closer to God and deeper into the life of the Church -- you experienced conversion. Any time a problem brought you closer to God, you experienced conversion.

God has placed you in their lives to be Jesus in the flesh for them. They want to hear your stories of love and faith. You can help them experience Jesus.Trust that the Holy Spirit will inspire them through your story. Let them figure out how to apply your experiences to their own lives. Some will ponder what you said and act upon it rather quickly. Others will change their lives only after hearing many other faith stories, because right now they don't want to accept the truth from you. That's okay! God appreciates you for sharing the truth with them.

Here's how to become more comfortable sharing your story: First choose any conversion experience and get very familiar with it.

Answer these questions:
(1) What was my life like before this happened and why did I want something to change?
(2) What helped me to find God?
(3) How did my life improve as a result of this conversion?

Next, tell it to people who understand, for example a small faith-sharing community at church or a Christian friend. Then you'll know that you can share it. This confidence will enable you to tell it to someone who needs to hear it for their own growth. Never underestimate the power of your story! You can make a difference in other people's lives just by being a blabbermouth about God's love!