How to Steward Your Story

Often we struggle with knowing when to speak and what to share. Sharing your testimony is courageous. But what comes after you share it is also important. Protecting your story while also nurturing the healing that is still unfolding, and allowing God to continue to shape you through it is important. 

Just because you've shared your story out in the open doesn't mean you've lost it. You get to decide how often you tell it, what details you keep private, and who gets to see the full picture. Stewardship means keeping it holy. We want to tend to our testimony like a garden we are planting seeds in, not like a spotlight.

Some things are meant to remain private, so don't feel bad if you don't share everything. No one is expecting you to. Likewise, if you are someone who freely shares everything, don't feel bad for being open and honest, but instead, look for ways to keep parts of your life privately between you and God. It is in this reserve you are guarding your heart in a way that keeps the moments between you and God protected that need to remain just between you two.

Dealing with reactions

Some people who hear your story will be moved. Others might be silent. A few may misunderstand. Some may judge you. Some may thank you. Sharing your testimony is not about validation. It is about obedience and impact. Stewarding your story means preparing your heart to handle responses with grace and not allowing reactions to determine your worth. It's remembering whose you are and how sharing helps impact the Kingdom. 

Don't let the potential reactions from others deter you from sharing what God has prompted you to share. There will be responses from both ends of the spectrum and all we can do is prepare our hearts to handle them. Always remember that pleasing God is primary here. 

Continuing the healing

If you are sharing your story in the midsts of hardship, there is likely healing that is still taking place. Your testimony is not a finished product, it's a living witness, often in real time. Let scripture continue to shape your understanding of it. When the world tries to redefine your identity, the Word anchors you in truth.

Your story isn't done. There is still more unfolding. Stewardship means making space for that next chapter, even if it means being quiet for a season.

Prayer: Lord, help me protect what you've healed, and use what you've redeemed.

Remembering the impact

It's okay to share your story on a stage, but it doesn't need to become a brand. Your story is a tool, not a trophy. When you feel pressured to perform or sensationalize your healing, come back to this: your story serves God, not the algorithm.

Stewarding your story means keeping it safe without keeping it silent. You don't owe everyone everything, but you do owe yourself honesty, grace, and gentleness. As you walk forward, trust that the same God who helped you speak will also help you grow. As you plant seeds in the gardens of others' hearts, may God help water it until its time to harvest. 

With Grace, Shonda Ramsey