The Power of Storytelling
The power of storytelling is often overlooked these days. Storytelling can transform a nation. Imagine how much more meaningful we would find history if it was conveyed in the form of stories. These stories can spark emotions. Beyond words, there is nothing as compelling as displaying the images associated with the story. We are moved by what they see, what we read, and what we hear. It resonates with us.
““if you wish to influence an individual or group to embrace a particular value in their lives, tell them a compelling story”
— Annette Simmons
Grandma’s Story
Growing up in the eastern suburbs of Onitsha, Nigeria, I remember various stories of past experiences constantly being shared, especially around Christmas. I would always look forward to the Christmas season. It was a time we would all travel to our hometown, Alor London, in Anambra state to spend the holidays with my grandparents. While a lot of my family members were busy attending ceremonial events, catching up with old friends, and touring the community they’d missed for 11 months, my plans were different. I was so close with my grandmother — I was always at her house. I would join her as she left for the farm and I always asked her why she was still farming. Didn’t she ever do anything else?
Hard Work
She was always so quiet when I would ask. This one time she said, “My son, growing up in this village was not an easy adventure. My first occupation was moulding and building houses for rich people.” I became so engrossed with her story that I just stared at her as she spoke and weeded her farm.
Due to my stare, she gazed at me and asked, “are you tired?” I said “No, I am just enjoying your story” — that and I was actually weak. Then she asked, “Did you know I walk about 9 miles to the farm everyday? I start work at 6am and I finish at 6pm.” She would only take Saturdays off. She still had lots to do after a 12-hour day, but she was always happy. She would show me pictures of the house she helped to build and take me around town to point out the ones she didn’t have pictures of. I could never fathom how she had carried the bricks on her head for hours. She was always so glad when she told her stories. You could tell it meant so much to her that I wanted to know.
Her Gift of Knowledge
My grandmother’s stories taught me never to give up, to always know that the road will not be easy, but that there is certainly a light at the end of the tunnel. I always take away one or two lessons from meaningful stories. Our lives are a series of stories and sharing these stories can have a lasting effect on individuals and generations.
““Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.”
— Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees
Caleb Williams
