Post #4, 2-17-09, What's your story?

This is mine- inspired by a story in Newsweek, about the power of storytelling.

Called "Stop Me if You've Heard This One", this week's My Turn article was written by Ann Banks. In her essay, Banks starts by telling readers a story that she's sure her grandmother would tell after reading some of today's headlines. She knows this story like the back of her hand, inside and out- she grew up on Depression stories told time after time around the dinner table. Now, in the midst of a recession, Banks recalls this story- a story about how an artist had cemented a silver dollar in the middle of a mosaic map of Florida on the floor of a real-estate office in Palm Beach, and how, during hard times, someone had stolen that silver dollar- chiseled it right out of the floor. Banks said that although her grandmother had lost so much during the Depression, she spoke about the silver dollar so much more. "It comforted my grandmother, I believe, by reminding her that in her misfortune she was far from alone." For that reason, Banks strongly believes that "storytelling is due for a revival... It got folks through the depression. It can work now, too." Banks also says that "we need again to imagine a future that is meaningful in the face of difficult circumstances. Listening to each other's stories may grant us a sense of common purpose that money can't buy."

At first, this article grabbed my attention because of its catchy title. I like being in the know, and I wanted to see if I ever had "heard this one". But the title wasn't the only thing well-chosen. With every word, every sentence, I was drawn further and further into Banks's story. About halfway through the article, I came across a quote that made me stop and think: "I became fascinated by the role that stories play during hard times- the way they seem to strengthen people, offering a bulwark against loneliness and feelings of personal failure." How true is that? When we're in the middle of a major crisis, what do we look for to help us feel better? A friend, maybe- someone who will empathize with us, someone who will share a similar, enlightening experience with us to show that we can overcome our trial. Ultimately, we look for a story. That is what convinced me- a simple, yet powerful, story might be just what we need after all. I'm sure plans to reconstruct our economy are necessary too, but the most brilliant strategy will do us no good unless we keep a positive, optimistic mindset and are determined to achieve our goal. That is where the work of our stories comes in. Each one of us has something to contribute; each one of us has something to say.

So that, was my story. Now it's your turn to tell yours.

To read the entire article, pick up a copy of Newsweek and turn to page 18, or visit this link: http://www.newsweek.com/id/183675.