Back in March of 2015, we asked our contributing writers at Circles of Faith to share their personal stories. Eventually it was time to share my story and I was surprised by my hesitation. I wondered, “Where do I start?” and “Which story?”

I convinced myself that I didn’t have much to say that mattered.

After a great deal of encouragement, I finally sat down to write about losing my high school/college boyfriend of three years. It was harder than I thought it would be. Yet once I did it, it felt good to look back on that time of my life and reflect on God’s providence and love.

When I was in the middle of that season, it felt like I would never get over the ache in my heart. The pain and the loss were so great. But now, years later, I have discovered I can barely remember some of the details. It was a pivotal point in my faith, which honestly I have, over time, disconnected from. As I revisited this experience, I rediscovered the amazing love of God.

What was surprising was the response I received from my post in the comments here on the site, on Facebook, and in my personal inbox.

My story mattered to someone else and yours does too! <<Click to Tweet

You don’t have to be a writer to share your story nor do you need a large platform. There are everyday opportunities to influence others with what you have experienced. Whether it’s a brief encounter with a stranger while waiting in line, or a friend who finally opens up over coffee, your story can encourage, heal, restore, refresh and demonstrate the fullness of God.

The question I have for you is, Are you ready?

Understanding your story takes reflection. That reflection can happen in solitude but it can also happen among friends who are willing to listen and recognize things you may not see. Regardless, it takes intention and a willingness to let God reveal to you where He was in it all.

Many of the profound lessons I have learned about God have been through my relationships with others, sharing my story and hearing theirs. Through community, I’ve had the opportunity to see God as they see Him, getting a glimpse of how they experience Him. And others have had a chance to see Him through my story as well.

That’s why I am so excited about the upcoming Circles of Faith, Women of Influence Retreat on March 5th. It is a gathering of Christian women in our local area who are looking to embrace their story and experience our Heavenly Father in ways they never have before.

It’s there that we will explore why our story is important, dig deep, and find out what your story is. Then we’ll have the opportunity to explore how easy it can be to influence others with our stories. Click here for the details on the event.

I am glad I shared my story online. The process lifted me up and encouraged my faith. It also reminded me that what I experience benefits others when I share it.

Kimberly Amici is an enthusiastic and dedicated founding member of the Circles of Faith team. She is known for her creativity, strong faith, and commitment to living life with purpose and passion. Kimberly is a writer and community builder whose desire is for hearts to be healed, minds to be renewed and women to be connected in fellowship just as God intended.