Stories are everything; they are history, what we are going through now and what would happen tomorrow. We hear them, watch them, read them. Stories can be natural or fictional; they could be exact, exaggerated or false. There is no gainsaying that they make up our everyday lives. While some stories have led to good, some others have led to bad. For instance, spreading unscrupulous information about a new epidemic can lead to panic and chaos, the circulation of negative rumours about a superstar can lead to tarnishing his or her image, noxious report about person can lead to the break-up of their marriages. Stories mean a lot and how they are told make the difference.

Many of us like Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye. We say he is a good man, we say he is a humble fellow. The way he talks, dresses and behaves makes us sense that he is a simple man. But there is another aspect of him I describe as simple: the way he tells stories! There is hardly any sermon of Pastor Adeboye where is doesn’t tell a story. And while I’m not an RCCG member, I stay glued to the TV during ‘Redemption Way’ to listen to this man, because his stories are often very touching.

Today, many motivational writers win the attention and reflection of readers through story telling. Some chip in stories at intervals to connect their audience to real life situations while few others prefer to write on their autobiography. When you read such books, you fully understand the author’s message. There are also organizations and websites that focus on storytelling. These people are very much aware of the fact that good stories make the world a better place.

From childhood, I began to value of stories and the lessons they teach. Then, my parents would tell us stories and ask what we learnt from them. From every story- whether funny or stern, we would deduce lessons and hold unto them. I love to listen to stories and I love to tell stories as well. I appreciate when stories are told by the people who experienced them or those close to them, because it helps me connect to personal experience.

Today, many people listen to rumours and irrelevant stories. That a superstar bought a new car worth N100million for his girlfriend will make no difference to my life. It is an irrelevant story. But let me listen to how a blind 14 year old girl has written 17books despite her challenges, and I will learn a great lesson.

Why then do we tell stories?

There are several reasons why we tell stories, but these are just a few:

  1. To teach lessons
  2. To inspire others
  3. To share and appreciate experiences
  4. To value observance
  5. To make life simpler
  6. To recall the past
  7. To ignite thoughts for tomorrow
  8. For relaxation
  9. For entertainment

Stories mean a lot. And great story tellers are they who understand what the world needs and tell their stories to make positive impacts.

23 thoughts on “WHY WE TELL STORIES”

    1. Lol! Amaka stories are good. I was reading through some articles yesterday. I discovered that wining cover letters must have flashes of stories. I will do a part two of this article to share the lesson I learn from them.
      Thanks dear!

    1. Wow! Not a good one, but I try. Will post one article, “Universal Gift” soon. There you will understand that what we all have in common.

      I appreciate you for always reading my articles. Thanks a lot.

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