You Never Know a Person Until You Know Their Story

I remember about seven years ago I stated this in a sermon "You never know a person until you know their story." My point was that everyone has things in their past that work to impact the present. One of our senior adult men called me the next day and said "David, I want to take you to lunch. We need to talk." Now, this is kind of an ominous lunch invite. Normally when church members "need to talk" it involves some form of complaint or "concern."

Nevertheless, we went to lunch. Over some really good Bar-B-Q, this gentleman said to me, "You said you never really know a person until you know their story. Well, I want to tell you my story." 

For the next hour he shared much about his life. He told me about a short time he had spent studying at seminary before realizing God had not called him to do that. He shared about his wife, how they met and their lives together. He shared about his career teaching and impacting the lives of students, as well as the frustrations of working in the public school system. He shared about his children and their stories. This man was a good friend before this lunch. Following this lunch, there was a deeper bond developed between us.

Stories matter because they give us insight into who a person truly is. Those idiosyncracies that may seem odd to some, most often have a story behind them.

The restaurant chain Chick-fil-A has a purpose. Oh, they make it plain they wish to honor God through their business. That premise is honorable and true, and based upon the faith of founder Truett Cathy and his family. However, the ultimate business purpose is to sell chicken. Humanitarian and community impact aside, if Chick-fil-A didn't sell enough chicken, then they wouldn't have the impact they are able to in these other areas. So, ultimately, "Eat Mor Chikin" is the goal for Chick-fil-A.

There is a video produced by Chick-fil-A available on YouTube. It states in the description "A video we created to remind us that everyone we interact with is a chance to create a remarkable experience." It's a moving clip. Not as funny as cows parachuting into a football stadium, but more impactful.

I showed this to our deacons last night. Then, we discussed the implications.

If a company whose purpose is to sell chicken gets this, then how much more should the church?

Every person in our community, in our church, in your small group, in the choir, the youth group, etc. has a story. Each story has some great parts, some celebrations and victories. Each story has some difficult times, heartbreak, sorrow.

Knowing the story changes how we interact. Knowing the story often leads us to understand, to love.

• Why does that kid always disrespect the adults around him? Maybe there's a story there. Is he abused. What's his home life like? 
• Why won't she commit to a relationship? Perhaps she did once, only to be betrayed.
• Why is that old man so cantankerous? Oh, his wife died ten years ago and he's been so very lonely since. 
• Why is that guy always giving away things to the poor? Maybe as a teenager he visited an impoverished country and God continually reminds him of how blessed he is.
• How come that family spends so much time with special needs children? Years ago they lost a child diagnosed with special needs before birth.

Why? The questions continue. While it's not a search for excuses, a person's story can reveal much about an individual.

As Christ-followers, take the time to get to know others' story. By the way, we don't have time to do this. . .yet, we need to make time.

It matters.