Sharing Stories. Connecting Lives.

Sharing Stories. Connecting Lives.

The power of a story can’t be underestimated. Stories capture our imagination and move the spirit within us to speak to the deepest part of who we are.

One of my favorite ‘once upon a time’ stories is Cinderella. A beautiful and innocent young girl. A father who loves her deeply. A step-mother who despises her. Step-sisters who are jealous of her. And a prince who sweeps her off her feet to marry her and ‘live happily ever after’.

These stories are magic to me.

Another text that captures the beauty of story-telling is scripture. Often Jesus would use parables to teach simple theological truths, principles, or a moral lesson. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), illustrates for us the importance of reaching out to those in need and accepting them as they are. I’m sure this story impacted Mother Teresa deeply and motivated her to begin her missionary work.

“Sharing stories is a connection point for human relationships.”
Monique van Berkel

This past weekend I was honored to participate as a speaker in the Theology of the Body Virtual Conference. My talk, “The Journey from Resignation to Restoration” included sharing my story of a mid-life crisis that led me out of a life of woeful resignation to a new life of glorious restoration, living in the fullness of God’s truth and love.

What I wasn’t expecting was the impact this talk had on those who heard it.

“Monique, thank you for your dear talk. When you opened the book and began to read I was arrested and tears rolled down my cheeks until the end of the talk. I thank you from the deepest part of me.” Gail

“Monique, I thank God for allowing me through you, to listen to real answers to deep questions of my heart. Thank you for sharing your experience, it connected profoundly with my heart. For me it has been a great gift to listen to you. God bless you always. With my prayers.” Leticia

God has given us the gift of communication to share stories with each other that can move our interior soul. In doing this we are reminded that, we are not alone, there is hope for our life, and we can be inspired to make the changes needed to experience the life God desires for us.

I encourage you to begin the journey to write and share your own stories with others. The power it can have for another person can be life-giving!

Blessings,
Monique van Berkel

P.S. If you didn’t get a chance to see my talk a Theology of the Body Virtual Conference Premium Package is available for purchase. This gives you unlimited access to more than 80 expert speakers and artists from around the world, as well as bonus talks, recorded speaker Q & A sessions, a Theology of the Body mini course, and much more. You can purchase the Premium Package here.

About Monique Van Berkel

Monique Van Berkel

She has a passion to spread a message of authentic love and life in relationships. She is an Accredited Theology of the Body Speaker through the TOB Institute. Through sharing of her own life experience and knowledge gained through her studies Monique leads people into a deeper appreciation of their humanity and sexuality.

Monique is the Founder and President of Catholic Woman CEO, a lay apostolate committed to helping women reclaim the truth of their feminine nature as God created them to be. She is available as a speaker for your event or organization. Find out more about her speaking topics here.

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