Sharing Your Story With Freedom Through a Simple Story Inventory
How many of you have ever wanted to start sharing your story, but you didn’t know where to begin?
Not because you don’t have anything to say. But because there’s so much to say. And you don’t want to overshare. Or cry. Or say it wrong. (Or all of the above.)
I get it. And I want to offer you something simple today, a “story inventory” you can do in one sitting, or little by little, with Jesus right beside you. It’s one of the gentlest ways I know to start sharing your story with more freedom and less fear.
Why sharing your story often feels harder than we expected
Let me tell you what I’ve noticed in our community. A lot of us don’t struggle with loving other people. We struggle with letting ourselves be seen.
Sharing your story can feel like standing in bright light. Even if your story includes beautiful things. Even if you’re not trying to be dramatic. It still feels tender.
And sometimes we’ve heard the wrong message. That sharing your story has to be a big stage moment, perfectly written, tied up with a bow. But that’s not how real life works, and it’s not how God works either. Sometimes sharing your story is one honest sentence at the right time.
It’s not about telling everything to everyone
Can I say this clearly? Sharing your story does not mean you owe everyone access to every detail.
Discernment matters. I’m convinced the Holy Spirit nudges us, what to share, when to share, and who it’s for.
This story inventory is not about pushing you into oversharing. It’s about giving you clarity. So you can share wisely and peacefully, without feeling scattered.
Sometimes we need a “map” before we speak
One of the most helpful things I’ve learned is that it’s hard to talk about your life when it still feels like a pile of loose papers. A story inventory turns those papers into chapters.
And when you can see the chapters, sharing your story starts to feel steadier. Not easy. But steadier.
Sharing your story starts with a simple “story inventory”
Here’s the thing. You don’t have to write a full memoir. You don’t have to get every date right. You’re not on trial, and you’re not trying to impress anyone.
You’re just taking inventory. With love. With honesty. With God.
This is similar to the “chapters” approach we use when we map out a story in a healing setting, starting high-level and then adding detail as you’re ready.
Step 1: Ask God to lead before you list anything
Before you grab your notebook, pause. Put your hand on your heart if you want (I do that sometimes). And invite Jesus in.
Here’s the verse I come back to when I need God to guide my heart gently, not harshly:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23-24, CSB)
That verse is not scary. It’s an invitation. God, show me what You want me to see. And lead me while I look.
Step 2: Write your chapters like you’re labeling file folders
Okay. Simple exercise.
Grab a piece of paper and write a list of “chapters” from your life. Think broad categories or seasons, not detailed scenes.
If it helps, start with headings like Childhood, Teen Years, Early Adulthood, Marriage, Motherhood, Career, Church, Moving Seasons. Or use titles like “The year everything changed” or “The season God rebuilt my faith.”
Keep it simple. Three to twelve chapters is plenty.
Step 3: Add four quick notes under each chapter
Under each chapter, jot four short lines. Not paragraphs. Just quick notes.
- Joys (what was good, what made you laugh, what felt alive)
- Losses (what ended, what you had to release, what changed)
- Turning points (moments you can see now mattered)
- Lessons (what God taught you, what you know now)
You’re not trying to cover everything. You’re noticing what stands out.
And if one chapter feels blank, that’s okay. Leave space. Come back later.
Step 4: Circle the places where God’s hand feels obvious now
After you’ve listed your chapters and your four notes, go back and circle anything that makes you say, “God was doing something there.”
Sometimes it’s a rescue moment. Sometimes it’s provision. Sometimes it’s the strength you didn’t know you had. Sometimes it’s simply the fact that you made it through.
This part matters because sharing your story as a believer is not just about what happened. It’s about where God met you.
How to use your story inventory for healing, not heaviness
I want to be careful here. Because some of us hear the word “inventory” and we immediately tense up.
This is not a shame inventory. Not a list of failures. Not a spiral.
It’s a grace inventory.
Read your chapters through grace, not shame
One of the most practical, life-giving shifts is learning to look at your life through the lens of Christ’s grace, not self-judgment.
When you’re sharing your story, you’re not stamping yourself with labels. You’re not reliving every hard detail. You’re letting Jesus show you what’s true now.
And if a chapter starts to feel overwhelming, pause and pray. That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
Keep the focus on what Jesus did in the middle
This is a big one. When we share our testimony, it’s easy to spend most of our words on the “before.”
But the heart of sharing your story is the turning point, where God’s grace steps in, where Jesus meets you, where something shifts.
Even if your life isn’t “all fixed.” Even if you’re still growing. Your story can still point to Him.
Try the “Before, Turning Point, After” mini-outline
If you want a simple way to practice sharing your story out loud, this outline is gold. Before, turning point, after.
That’s it.
And you can keep it to three minutes. You can practice in your car. You can whisper it in the kitchen while the coffee brews. God honors honesty, not polish.
Sharing your story with wisdom, boundaries, and real freedom
Can I tell you something I wish more women heard early on? You’re allowed to have boundaries and still be faithful.
Sharing your story is an act of obedience, not a performance.
Ask three quick questions before you share
When you feel a nudge to share, pause and ask:
- Is my heart steady enough to share this today?
- Is this person safe and appropriate for this part of my story?
- Is this the part God is asking me to share right now?
You can start small. One sentence counts.
Choose “safe places” to practice first
Sharing your story can start in private. A journal. A voice note. A trusted friend. A support group. The goal is not exposure. The goal is freedom.
I’ve watched women find so much courage when they realize they’re not alone, and that their story can create connection instead of isolation. There is power in “me too.”
Let your story build up our community
This is one of my favorite parts. When one woman shares, it gives another woman permission to breathe. To be honest. To hope again.
We’re built up one surrendered story at a time.
And no, you don’t need a microphone to make a difference.
A gentle way to start today (without overthinking)
If you’re sitting here thinking, “Okay Jessica, this sounds good, but I’m still nervous,” that’s normal.
So here’s a simple starting point. Ten minutes.
- Write 5 chapter titles from your life
- Pick 1 chapter and write 1 joy, 1 loss, 1 turning point, 1 lesson
- Pray Psalm 139:23-24 slowly
- Circle one line that shows God’s kindness
That’s enough for today.
Sharing your story doesn’t have to be rushed. It can be gentle. It can be guided. And it can be filled with hope.
A short prayer for the woman learning to share
Jesus, thank You for being close. Thank You for being kind as You lead me through my memories. Help me with sharing your story in a way that honors You and protects what’s tender. Give me wisdom, timing, and peace. And show me where You were in every chapter. Amen.
