In our culture we love to talk. Whether it’s instant messaging, meeting for coffee, or FaceTiming a friend, we just love to communicate in some way. I’m obsessed with stories, I just love hearing about people’s lives (yes, I keep up with the Kardashians). I also find joy in telling stories; sharing an embarrassing tale to bring someone laughter, or talking about difficult experiences to console a friend in need, there’s so much power in communicating our lives with others.

With this in mind it reminds me of a famous story in the Gospel where Jesus heals a possessed man, and drives out the demon and casts it into the nearby pigs. This is an incredible example of the authority of Jesus and also his love and care for us. The healed man goes on to ask if he may join Jesus on his travels. Jesus’ response always inspires me; 

When I first read this I was confused as to why Jesus would not permit this man to join him. I thought what difference can it make? Jesus already has 12 disciples surrounding him and countless others following him all over the land, surely one more couldn’t hurt? However, God knew the greater plan for this man, and that was to stay and share his testimony to those around him.

Sometimes we can be so focused on trying to follow Jesus that we forget to celebrate him and tell others of all that he has done in our lives. In this season where our calendars are filled up with Easter events and the shops are filled with chocolate eggs, let’s take courage knowing that God has called us to tell our loved ones all that the Lord has done for us. Let’s be bold in sharing our testimony. You never know what God wants to resurrect in their lives through your story.