Truth and the Power of Story
by Jeanne Gowen Dennis
Summer is a great time to read with your family. So let’s explore how to use the incredible power of story to impart the biblical worldview to children in a non-threatening and non-dogmatic way.
All Stories Teach
All stories, both fiction and nonfiction, teach lessons to listeners and readers, whether we mean them to or not. God Himself uses story to teach His children through the Bible.
In this case, the stories happen to be true. I will never forget the first time I read the story of King Jehoshaphat’s victory over four armies at once. On hearing the news of this enormous threat to his nation, the king called his people to prayer and fasting.
Then his musicians led the way to battle, praising the Lord all the way. When they arrived, the nation of Judah discovered its enemies had all killed one another.
God had won the victory for them, because the king and his people had trusted in the power and faithfulness of God. (You can read the story yourself in 2 Chronicles 20.)
Jesus also used the power of story when He spoke to the people in parables. Who cannot identify with the woman searching for lost money, or a father welcoming back his wayward son?
Story has power, because story reaches us where we live, in the emotions, decisions, and relationships of everyday life.
Harness the Power
Parents and grandparents who understand and utilize story’s power will have a greater influence on the younger generation.
Our culture is doing everything possible to dictate the beliefs and lifestyle of our children. Let’s do what we can to influence our young people for good and to draw them nearer to the God who made them.
It’s Story Time!
Instead of using your individual electronics or watching TV, gather the family together, grab a good book or weave a tale of your own, and tell everyone, “It’s story time!”
© Jeanne Gowen Dennis
Read Engage Your Child’s Heart: How to Utilize the Power of Story.
P.S. You could start with Sheila Seifert’s and my book Bible Kidventures: Stories of Danger and Courage. It’s a choose-your-own-ending-style book of Bible adventures published by Focus on the Family. When you read it as a family, children enjoy taking turns deciding where to go next. You can purchase it using this link:
Bible KidVentures Stories of Danger and Courage
To find links for all Heritage of Truth interviews and blog posts, go to TV and Blog by Topic or TV and Blog by Guest/Author.