The Power Of Story-Telling
Mark 4: 1-3
“Again, Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: ‘Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed….”
In February 1926, American scholar and historian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) sent out a press release announcing what would the first celebration of Black History Week and very quickly news spread to schools and organisations. In the decades that followed mayors in different cities adopted this practice of dedicating a week to celebrating black history. By the late 1960’s during the time of the civil rights movement Black History week had now evolved into what we now know as Black History Month celebrated in many countries across the globe.
Dr Woodson dedicated his life to telling stories and celebrating achievements in the African American community. Much like Jesus did. The gospels are full of Jesus telling parables and, in the verses today, the power of his story-telling gathered a crowd so large that he had to tell his story from a boat on a lake. I pick up two things from these short verses (besides attempting to figure how Jesus spoke to a large crowd without a microphone!)
The people were willing to listen
Jesus’s parables told a different narrative that gave a fuller perspective of the world.
Much like Jesus’ parables, our personal stories offer a fuller narrative both of and to the world around us. I urge you this Black History Month, and beyond, to engage with stories different from your own either by telling them or by sitting and listening.
Prayer — Father, thank you that you made me unique and that you have given me a unique story to tell. Help me to listen and engage with different stories.