Sharing Your Story When You Don’t Know Where to Start
Can I ask you something? Have you ever wanted to start sharing your story, but your mind goes blank the second you try?
Like you have a thousand moments you could talk about, but you can’t figure out which one counts as “the beginning.” Or you worry you’ll say too much. Or not enough. Or you’ll cry. Or you’ll ramble. (Or all of the above.)
If that’s you, I want you to breathe. You’re not behind. And you’re not failing. Sharing your story doesn’t have to start with a big stage moment or a perfectly polished testimony. Sometimes it starts with one small sentence, “Here’s where God met me.”
And I’m going to give you a gentle plan you can actually use. Prayer, journaling, one safe person, one small share. That’s it. We’re keeping it simple.
Sharing your story starts smaller than you think
I used to picture sharing your story as this dramatic moment where you stand up, tell everything, and somehow walk away feeling brave and healed. But that’s not how it usually goes.
Most of the time, sharing your story looks like a conversation across a table. Or a walk around the neighborhood. Or a quiet text message you rewrite three times before you hit send.
And here’s the thing, bold doesn’t mean loud. Bold often means obedient.
You don’t have to tell everything to everyone
This is where a lot of women get stuck. We think sharing your story means we owe people every detail. We don’t.
Discernment matters. There are times to speak, and times to wait. Sharing your story with wisdom means asking God, “What part is mine to share right now, and who is safe to hear it?”
Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is share the outcome, not the graphic details. Or share the lesson you’re learning, not the whole timeline. Or share with one person, not everyone.
Sharing your story is about hope, not heaviness
I love this, because it takes the pressure off. Sharing your story isn’t meant to drag you back into pain. It’s meant to point to grace.
We all have chapters we would rewrite. But when we’re honest in a grounded, hope-filled way, God uses that honesty to help someone else breathe again. Our community is built one surrendered story at a time.
What to do first when sharing your story feels overwhelming
When you don’t know where to start sharing your story, start here, with God. Not because you need a “perfect spiritual moment.” But because He knows what your heart can handle right now.
Start with a simple prayer (even if it’s messy)
Some prayers are long and beautiful. And some are a whispered “Help.” Both count.
Try something like this, right where you are.
Jesus, I want to start sharing my story, but I don’t know where to begin. Show me what to share, who to share it with, and when. Heal what needs healing. Give me peace and wisdom. Amen.
I’ve learned that when we ask honest questions, God answers. Sometimes through His Word. Sometimes through a friend. Sometimes through that quiet nudge of peace that doesn’t make sense, but it’s there.
Journal one page, not your whole life
When women tell me they want to start sharing your story, they usually think they need to write the whole testimony from birth to today. No wonder it feels impossible.
Just write one page. Or half a page.
Here are a few prompts that help me get unstuck (and you can pick just one):
- God, where did You meet me when I felt unsure?
- What did You teach me in that season?
- What lie did You replace with truth?
- What do I want other women to know about Your goodness?
Sometimes putting pen to paper helps you see the exact moment you’ve been trying to find. And sometimes it helps you realize you don’t need a “beginning” as much as you need one honest point of connection.
Ask yourself one grounding question
This is a question I come back to when I’m not sure what part of sharing your story is mine to speak out loud.
“Is my heart healed or at least in process?”
If the story still feels like a raw open wound, that doesn’t mean you’ll never share it. It might just mean God is still tending to it first. Healing in secret often comes before speaking in public.
How to choose one safe person for sharing your story
Let me say something that might feel like relief. Sharing your story does not start with “everyone.” It starts with “someone.”
Community matters. I’ve leaned on friends and mentors when I was unsure. Sometimes we need someone to listen, pray, and say, “I see God in that.”
What makes someone safe?
Not perfect. Just safe.
Here are a few signs you’re looking at a safe person for sharing your story.
- She listens without trying to fix you
- She’s steady and mature (not dramatic)
- She’s not shocked by hard things
- She keeps things confidential
- She points you back to God’s truth
I’ve seen how healing happens when someone sits with you, reminds you of who you are and Whose you are, and speaks Scripture over you when you can’t do it for yourself in that moment.
How to invite that person into it
This doesn’t have to be a big announcement.
You can say, “Hey, can I share something with you? I’m learning how to start sharing my story, and I need a safe place to practice.”
And if you want to make it even simpler, ask for coffee. Or a walk. Or a phone call on a day you can breathe.
We’re not meant to do this alone. We just aren’t.
A gentle plan for sharing your story in one small step
Okay. Now we make it practical. Because you know I love practical.
If you’re stuck and you keep telling yourself you’ll start sharing your story “someday,” try this simple plan. No pressure. Just a next step.
Step 1, write a 3-sentence version
This helps so much, especially if you tend to overthink.
Here’s a template you can steal.
- This is what my life felt like before.
- This is where God met me.
- This is what’s different now (even if it’s still in process).
Notice I said “in process.” Because sometimes the most encouraging kind of sharing your story is being honest about what’s unfinished.
Step 2, share one small moment, not the whole timeline
When you start sharing your story, you don’t have to start with the hardest chapter. You can start with one moment of God’s faithfulness.
Maybe it was a prayer He answered. Maybe it was peace in the middle of a chaotic week. Maybe it was the way He provided a friend at the right time.
Small steps count. I’ve watched God use simple, ordinary shares to open doors for deeper conversations later.
Step 3, keep the focus on what God did
This isn’t about making yourself sound impressive. Sharing your story is about giving God credit for meeting you.
Sometimes I’ll literally ask myself before I speak, “What is the grace part?” Because that’s what someone else needs. Not a highlight reel. Grace in real life.
Step 4, pray with the person after you share
This can feel awkward at first. I get it. But it’s one of the sweetest ways to close the moment.
Just a short prayer, “God, thank You for meeting me there. Thank You for using my words to encourage her. Keep healing me. Amen.”
That’s it.
What Psalm 107:2 teaches us about sharing your story
I want to bring Scripture into this, because God doesn’t leave us guessing about whether our stories matter.
Psalm 107:2 (CSB) says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim that he has redeemed them from the power of the foe.”
That word proclaim can sound big. Like you need a microphone. But you don’t. Proclaim can look like telling your friend, “God brought me through.” It can look like sharing your story in a Bible study when it’s your turn, even if your voice shakes.
And it can look like saying, “I’m redeemed.” Even if you’re still healing. Even if you’re still learning how to live like it.
Because here’s what I’ve watched happen over and over in our community. When one woman shares, another woman feels less alone. That “me too” moment loosens fear. It gives oxygen. It builds courage.
Common roadblocks that keep us from sharing your story
Let’s talk about what gets in the way, because naming it takes away some of its power.
“My story is too small.”
Nope. I’ve heard this so many times.
Every story matters, even the simple ones. We aren’t competing for the biggest miracle. We’re collecting reminders that God keeps showing up.
“I don’t know enough Bible.”
You don’t need a seminary degree to start sharing your story.
Sometimes all you’re saying is, “This verse held me up.” Or “God gave me peace when I didn’t have words.” That’s real. And it helps people.
“What if I cry?”
Then you cry. That’s allowed.
But if you’re worried you’ll feel undone for days afterward, that’s information. It might mean you need more healing first, or you need a different setting, or you need to share a smaller piece right now. Healing in secret often comes first.
“What if people judge me?”
This is why we choose safe people and wise timing. Sharing your story isn’t about handing your heart to whoever happens to be near.
Also, I want to remind you, obedience is never wasted. Even the unseen steps matter.
Simple ways to practice sharing your story this week
If you want to move from “thinking about it” to actually sharing your story, here are a few options that are gentle and doable.
- Share a small faith lesson in your Bible study (something you’re learning right now)
- Text one friend and tell her where you saw God show up this week
- Write a letter to someone who’s in a season you’ve been through
- Tell your kids or spouse one way God answered a prayer
- Practice your 3-sentence version in a journal before you say it out loud
You don’t need a perfect moment. You just need a next step. And God meets us right there, in the small yes.
One last encouragement if you still feel stuck
Let me encourage you like I’d encourage you across a table.
You don’t have to rush. Your pace is okay. And you don’t have to earn the right to speak. God uses willingness more than fancy words.
Start with prayer. Write one page. Choose one safe person. Share one small piece.
That’s sharing your story. And it matters more than you think.