There was a woman who loved her husband and wanted to play a more active role in being a helper to him and support his mission. She knew she had talents and abilities that weren't being used and each time she brought up the topic, her husband was open to it but in the end, she was never given the opportunity to express her talents.

One day, she remembered watching a football game with her husband and what he had told her about a player on his favorite team.

That same day, she went to her husband and asked if he remembered telling her about the player and what he had said. How every time they put him in the game, he almost always helps the team. How he is talented. But for some reason, they don't use him that much and they keep him on the sidelines! I just don't understand it, the husband had remarked. Then the wife looked up at her husband and said...

"I'm that player! I want to help you and your mission. I have talents I can use. Just put me in the game!

The husband smiled and realized how this message got through when the other attempts didn't. He sat down with her and talked about different ways she could be more involved going forward.

 

An ancient story that changed a King...

Stories abound, and their power to influence seemingly knows no limits. It's been this way for ages, as when an ancient King was humbled by a prophet whom the LORD had sent unto him.

In that biblical passage, it is recorded that...

"the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:

3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.

4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to prepare for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and prepared it for the man that was come to him.

5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.

9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

Nathan goes on to describe more of the punishments King David will receive, and when he is done, the message impacts David greatly.

The king is humbled and repents. David later pens Psalm 51, a moving passage of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness and mercy.

In addition, one of the children born to King David and Bathsheba was named Nathan. No doubt named for his friend and advisor who brought him both good news and bad, and showed tough love and loyalty over the years.

 

Connect more deeply, with greater influence and reach

Is it any wonder why these stories work? Or ones like these?

You can use stories to communicate things that may not get through otherwise. They can hit you on an emotional, visceral level. They can reach people where sometimes reason doesn't. Or when someone is "closed off" to hearing your point of view.

They have a way of opening up the heart and mind and making connections where none may have been seen before.

 

3 simple rules of a great story that influences others

Please note what they are:

First, they are simple. The simpler, the better. The more complex they become, the less the impact.

Second, they genuinely relate to something in the hearer's life. Something they love, they've experienced, they know about or are familiar with.

It can be a hobby, an event, a life experience. Maybe something work related.

A secret: The stronger the hearer's feelings about the subject, the better the story works.

For example, in the latter story, David was a shepherd. You can imagine him loving the sheep he took care of, leading them, protecting them.

In fact, a lion and a bear took a lamb out of the flock that David was keeping, and he went after it and saved the lamb.

Do you think Nathan knew of this story or heard David tell it before? And knew that sharing a story about a lamb would hit David at the core of his being? That it would be the best way to reach his friend and King?

Yes.

And the first has the same element. Her husband loved football, the player was on his favorite team, etc. The woman shared a story that would reach him because it has relevance to something he loved.

Third, make the connection.

In each story, the point is clearly made by tying in how it relates. Yes, it's often obvious but make the point anyway. "Thou art the man!" and Nathan continues from there describing in detail what David did.

As well as the woman in the first story with "I'm the player!" and sharing how she wants to be "in the game" and helping her husband more with his mission.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ did the same. He told parables and stories often.

And notice how they're very relevant to the people and crowds he's talking to.

Do you think merchants and traders in precious jewels would easily understand and relate to this in Matthew 13... ?

45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

I do.

And I hope you've found the Pearl of great price, and know the joy and peace of living for Him. If not, PM /u/Red-Curious , that great winner and discipler of souls. (or any of the mods or myself, if you choose)

While this sub's existence isn't for winning souls, we take it for granted that most everyone here is a Christian. Just in case, if not, allow me this small paragraph or two to encourage you.

Lastly, don't neglect the power and influence you have in using stories.

Whether in dating or marriage, at work or with friends, use this method and see how it strengthens your position.

When done right and well, they are a wonderful gift in influencing and persuading others to your point of view, and (more than!) adequately communicating what you want to get across.

Use them wisely and well.

And as always, with (very) good intentions!