Share Your Second Story

You have a story. People need to hear it.

You’re probably wondering, “okay, that sounds great, but where do I even start?” We’re so glad you asked! We are here to help you formulate your story so you can start sharing it with others.

So, grab a pen and paper and let’s get started.

Start with an Intro

“There was a time in my life when…”

Start you story with a quick intro like this. It’s kind of like “once upon a time,” but for real life stories. You can modify this line if you want, but keep it to just a few words.

Before

“I was ____ and ____.”

Think of a time when Jesus changed you. It might be when you first started following him. It might be a later story. Pick two words that describe what you were like before he changed you.

“For example, one time…”

Now explain those two words with 3 or 4 sentences. Tell a brief story (remember this all has to fit inside of 2 minutes) that illustrates what you were like before Jesus changed you.

Then Jesus

“Then Jesus showed me ____.”

Think of one word that describes what Jesus did or what you learned about Jesus that ended up changing you.

“He showed me this when…”

Now explain that one word with 3 or 4 sentences. Tell a brief story that illustrates what Jesus did in your life or how you learned about him.

Now

“Now I am ____ and ____.”

Now that Jesus changed you, what is your life like? Give two words that describe your new life.

“Now that Jesus has changed me…”

Now explain those two words with 3 or 4 sentences. Tell a brief story that illustrates what your life is like now that Jesus has changed you.

How about you?

“Do you have a story like this?”

Remember this isn’t a speech. It’s meant to spark conversations about Jesus. Finish your story with a question like this. 

“Hey, I’m Cash. There was a time in my life when I was very, very independent. I relied heavily on my abilities and my efforts to get me from ‘point A’ to ‘point B.’ I was prideful, and I didn’t ask anyone for help, ever. In my mind, that was a sign of weakness.

Sometimes, my mom tells the story about when I said my first words. Every time she would go to feed me, I would close my eyes, shut my mouth, and turn my head until I eventually told her ‘I’ll do it myself.’

And those four little words became the driving force behind my life.

Then one day, Jesus showed me I actually couldn’t do anything by myself. He plucked me from distractions and people I thought were my friends, and placed me on the path of aloneness – allowing me to experience and to do and to try things all by myself. I was alone.

After years of trying to do things and accomplish things by myself, and to really just be free as a person without God, I was tried of endless travels to nowhere. One day, in the bathroom, I just broke down and started crying because I knew that was a war I had lost.

I surrendered to Jesus and, on that floor, I said, ‘Jesus, please help me.’

And those four words changed my life.

Jesus rescued me from myself, and he took my weakness and turned it into strength. Now, I’m a person who can humbly and totally depend on Jesus for everything. Every aspect of my life.

So, what’s your story?”

Ready to take it to the next level?

Share your Second Story with us and we’ll give you some ideas of ways to share it. Submit a photo of yourself in your I Am Second gear and a written version of your story. (We won’t use your photo or story publicly without first getting your permission.)