There is power in sharing our stories. When our stories are known, they bring encouragement, teaching, motivation, and equipping others for living the Jesus life.

So let me tell you a story I have been sharing often lately.

Trina and Kelly married a little later than many do, but Trina would say it was worth the wait. They had little girl and a son on the way when Kelly was killed in an oilfield accident. It was just over 20 years ago, and you can imagine the pain, grief, and questions that Trina – and her church – had to face. Busy raising kids as a single mom, trying to work full-time, and processing her grief and her faith.

A second chance at love was about the last thing on her mind.

Tony was raised in the church by a single dad. But somewhere along the way, he let his faith slip away. Drug addiction and all that goes with it became the focus of his life. And even when he did think about getting his act together for Jesus, he would wonder about second chances. He sure didn’t deserve one. Even if he could be forgiven, what kind of life could he ever have as a restored Christian?

Trina’s sister, Traci, was married to Tony’s brother, Tim. So when Tim and Tony’s dad died, Trina went to the funeral to support her sister and brother-in-law. And there was Tony.

Long story short: Tony moved to Abilene where his brother lived in an effort to turn his life back to Jesus. Oh, and Abilene was where Trina lived. Friendship and dating ensued, and they start to fall in love. Trina was processing her love for Kelly and how that fit with Tony. Tony was defeating his addictions, moving forward, sometimes sliding back, wrestling with forgiveness, self-esteem, and the lies Satan would tell him. He struggled with what he could offer to Trina.

They listened as people of faith spoke into their lives about the God of second chances. Or, as Tony and I put it, the God of 252nd chances. The God of grace and forgiveness. The God of love and purpose. The God who knew Kelly, Trina, and Tony, and wove their lives together. The God who forgave Tony and empowered him to defeat the demons of his addictions.

So a few weeks ago, Tony and Trina got married. They have told their stories many times and in many places. And will tell their story for years.

It’s a story of the God of love and grace doing his work among his people. It’s a story for the sinner and the lonely, a story for those in grief and pain, and a story of redemption.

Tell your stories.