That’s okay! It’s not less powerful as a result. Some of us have stories that demonstrate God’s ability to pluck us from the wreckage and save us from the worst of circumstances. Others have stories that display God’s patient lovingkindness as he slowly woos us to himself. Even in less “dramatic” stories, there are moments where God has met us powerfully and personally in our struggle and need. Tell those parts of your story because they are powerful witnesses to the God who is weaving all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.

Maybe you grew up in the church or always “followed the rules.” While your story might lack the harrowing details of seedy bars and back alleys, it is still a story about the deathless God who loved you enough to die then rose again. There’s nothing boring about that! The fact remains that your heart was changed by the God who sees you, knows you, pursues you, and has rescued you. So tell your story and remember there’s probably another “rule follower” out there who needs to hear your story because it could be the one that changes their life.

How do you fit your life — months, years, even decades — into a mere 60 seconds? How do you talk about the depth of your personal story and need for Christ in such a brief glimpse? The only answer we can give you is to practice! Use short sentences and precise words, think through what you want to say before you shoot it, and run through it a few times before recording. In fact, practicing with friends, family, or community who know you may actually help you process your story even more clearly.

Our name is now linked with that of Jesus Christ and it’s important to remember that our resurrected king was first our crucified king. By testifying to his greatness, we identify with him and that will always bring with it the possibility of persecution and rejection. For some of our brothers and sisters around the world this could mean being disowned by family members, beaten, imprisoned, or even killed. For most of us in the U.S. and Western world, it could mean people perceiving or treating us differently, possibly even unfairly. But you need to remember that God sees and knows all of this. This is a time to offer your fears to him and remember that he will lead you through whatever adversity you may face for proclaiming him as your Lord and Savior.

Some of us have pain in our stories that is hard to describe in so few words, let alone share publicly. How do we treat difficult issues or traumas such as abuse with the sensitivity and depth they require? The obvious advice is to only be as vulnerable as you are comfortable with and to use discernment. If you would be uncomfortable with anyone from your grandma to a stranger knowing what you’ve been through, then find ways to share what you’ve gone through that aren’t explicit, or maybe focus on the emotional journey you experienced when you recognized your need for the gospel. Be gentle with yourself. You can share as much or as little of your story as you like — it’s yours to tell.