5 Types of Stories You Need to Share With Your Family

"Family is the compass that guides us; sharing our stories is the legacy that keeps us connected across generations." – Brad Henry. 

Telling family stories doesn’t always come easy. You probably don't have a book on your life that you can easily read aloud, and you probably don't have one of your relative's either. Maybe storytelling doesn't come naturally to you, and you have a hard time conveying the message you really hope to. Maybe you struggle with thinking that your story isn't good enough or that interesting.

There is research that suggests that storytelling matters more than you think. Psychologists Marshall Duke and Robyn Fivush at Emory University developed the "Do You Know?" scale. This was a 20-question quiz measuring a child's knowledge of their family history. The study found that children who knew more about their family's history showed greater resilience, higher self-esteem, and a stronger sense of control over their lives. 

Scripture models this, too. Again and again, people pass down their stories so that faith and values carry on for generations. You can do the same for your family. Here are five types of stories worth telling, along with some tips on storytelling to help you get started.

5 Types of family Stories worth telling

type 1: Your personal Testimony

Your personal faith journey is one of the most significant stories you can share. Psalm 96:3 says, “Tell of His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples."

Start with one moment where you saw God clearly. This could be a season of change, an answered prayer, or a difficult season where you saw Him provide. Tell it in three simple parts: what was going on in your world, what God did, and what happened after. Make it personal and share what feels appropriate. The more honest you are, the more tangible God's faithfulness becomes.

type 2: overcoming Struggles

When facing with the valleys of life - like spiritual dryness, financial hardship, estranged children - sharing stories of how the Lord carried you through them can be incredibly powerful. 

Think about a time when you faced a difficult situation and experienced God’s strength in the midst of it.  

Use Proverbs 3:5-6 to emphasize how to trust in the Lord to guide your steps. Sharing your struggles reinforces to your family that God's strength will always be bigger than your problems. 

type 3: Your Family’s heritage and Legacy

Understanding where you come from is an essential part of building identity. Scripture is full of genealogies for a reason: heritage matters. Your family's story matters.

Tell the story of your grandparents or great-grandparents: how they met, how they lived, the traditions they kept, and the faith they carried. Tell the story of you and your spouse to your children: how you met, what life was like when you first got married, and the struggles you've been through together.

These stories help build a foundation that will last. They show your family not just where you come from but also what you will continue to stand for.

TYPE 4: STORIES OF JOY AND LAUGHTER

Not every family story has to be serious or profound. Sometimes, the most memorable stories are the ones filled with laughter and joy. Ecclesiastes 3:4 reminds us that there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh.”  

Think about the moments your family laughs often about. The inside jokes that make you laugh every time. The funny stories that don’t get old to share. Tell these stories often, and let your kids tell their versions too. Funny, lighthearted stories create a warm atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and loved.

type 5: God’s Faithfulness in everyday moments

Sometimes the simplest stories paint the clearest picture. The way God shows up in ordinary moments can sometimes say even more than the bigger moments.

Some examples of this could be:

• I went through a season of loneliness & God provided a new friend for me.

• I was nervous about moving to a new city & God gave me peace when I was in it.

• I didn't know what path I wanted to take next in my career & God opened the right doors for me that made it clear.

These honest, everyday stories make God's faithfulness real and tangible for your family. 

Why Family Stories matter

Storytelling goes beyond simply recalling the past. It lays the foundation of faith for the generations that follow you. 

Choosing which stories to tell is the starting point, and understanding how to tell them is the next.

If you're ready to begin, Legacy Stone's free Sharing Family Stories resource offers practical tips and inspiration to help you start today.