The Power of Story
We ended up sitting in the front row (we like to think it was first class, but in reality, it was just the first row) on our flight home. My daughter sat by the window, and I sat sandwiched in between her and a gentleman to my left. I ended up repositioning myself, so I didn’t have to use the armrest and didn’t think much more of the tiny inconvenience.
After we had been in the air for about 2 hours, I had finished reading and again, was trying to readjust (I get very restless on flights). Not only was the man hogging the armrest, BUT his arm was now resting on MY side of the armrest, like IN MY space. AND his leg was touching mine. While I didn’t feel uncomfortable, it was a bit awkward, and I was trying to figure out how to move over without being obvious.
I was reciting in my head what I was going to tell my daughter when we deplaned, about how annoying this guy was and how he was invading my space and didn’t even seem like he cared. He just continued to play his game on his iPad. Towards the end of this silent conversation in my head, he suddenly turned, and as he picked up his arm and moved his leg, he began to profusely apologize and explain that he had no feeling in his arm and leg! He was partially paralyzed!
Wow! I can’t begin to explain how hearing this brief part of his story changed my whole perspective. I immediately felt compassion for him and was so glad I didn’t make a scene or cause him to be uncomfortable. I automatically thought of a sign and a sermon from many months ago. The sign was on a highway near Richmond, a sermon delivered at the Good Friday service at the National Cathedral. The message was a fresh reminder as I have had several opportunities in recent days to apply it to my own life. I continue to be amazed at its impact.
“There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love if you knew their story!”
Such truth!
This statement reminds me of the power of a story. So many times, we are quick to judge, condemn, and disregard, simply because we don’t know someone’s story. But once we know “the rest of the story,” it usually brings understanding and puts a different light to someone’s actions. While learning one’s story doesn’t excuse the behavior, it often helps to explain it and bring new awareness to a situation.
I remember, as a new teacher, I would find myself frustrated with one of my student’s lack of preparation and missing homework assignments. Until the day I followed him home and learned “the rest of his story.” Jeffrey lived downtown. Every day, he rode a bus to our school in an affluent neighborhood in Louisville. He spent most afternoons after getting off the school bus, waiting on the doorstep for his mom to get home. It would be a great day if she had some food to give him for dinner.
When I came to realize that Jeffrey was more worried about eating and sleeping in a safe place, than about getting his homework completed, I was able to understand and empathize with him. I found ways to help him be efficient at school so that homework wasn’t so vital to his learning. I hugged him and encouraged him and made sure he knew I loved him and cared for him. The moment I understood his story, my perspective, and the method of helping him become successful changed.
As my daughter and I deplaned our flight, I smiled at my seatmate as he waited patiently for his wheelchair and the flight attendant to help transfer him into it. And once again, I was reminded of the power of a story.
Post part of your story below!
Michele Husfelt, has been involved with PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) for 23 years, a women’s ministry located on military bases worldwide, serving in various local and regional positions. She currently serves as the Titus 2 Advisor at JB-MDL PWOC. Michele is a gifted writer/blogger at WhiteSandAndTeaCups.com, and is also on staff at NorthStar Church Network serving as the Ministry Development -Communications Specialist for their Women’s Network. Her passion is to “connect women to God and each other.” From Japan to Norway to many places in the States, Michele has spoken at retreats, workshops, and conferences. >Michele has a heart for women, whether they live in the neighborhood or the local homeless camp. While living in DC, she and her husband, Mike, an Air Force chaplain, lived in an apartment building and were on staff with Apartment Life, a faith-based non-profit whose goal is to create community and love residents. Michele and Mike have five funny kids, three super sons-in-law, one adorable grandson, a lazy cat, and a perfect Goldendoodle. They have recently moved from Washington, DC to McGuire AFB, NJ.
