Doctor Beth Green opened the Christian School Canada Leadership Conference, Journeying with Hope, with the question, “Who do you think you are?” This simple prompt, rather than being confrontational, framed a conference that provided opportunity to listen to the voices and stories of others. It has challenged me to consider identity as being fluid and a process of learning who God has created us to be. I wonder about that about my school community as well. “Who do we think we are?”
Brene Brown wrote that “Only when diverse perspectives are included, respected, and valued can we start to get a full picture of the world.” As Christian school leaders, we have opportunity to be curious and to discover the stories within our families and communities that are an integral part of who we are. I wonder what we are missing out on when stories are left untold. Brown writes that “…story stewardship means that we are being entrusted with something valuable. It behooves us to listen and learn, challenge our own thoughts, and perhaps be brought to our knees.” Our histories are an integral and rich part of our formation and identity in Christ as individuals and as communities.
Stories, both individual and collective, provide a foundation for understanding God’s faithfulness through the generations. They deepen our understanding and empathy of one another in community. They reveal the diverse ways God has worked. Stories of God working through generations allow us to see the kingdom of God more fully here on earth, and as Dr. Dorothy Vaandering reminded us, stories allow us to see God working in spaces outside of our own normal realm of daily activity. Listening to the stories of others has everything to do with change in are own hearts. In these stories we get a glimpse of the amazing tapestry of God’s work within our communities.
Imagining the journey of my parents and grandparents as they arrived at Pier 21 was a profound experience. It brought home the understanding that their journey was a courageous one; they trusted in God to provide when faced with so many unknowns about what life would be like. When confronted with Dr. Green’s question, there was a moment of clarity: my family’s history is foundationally part of who I am and part of my identity in Christ. “Who do you think you are?” My family’s roots are part of my formation as a Christian and who I am as a leader today.
Historical awareness encourages deeper thought. The Biblical story is one of connectedness and continuity through the generations and through the stories we see God’s direction and provision over and over again. The stories of the men and women of faith are not that of perfect people but broken people whom God has used. Their lives are woven together with purpose. Ultimately, we desire our students to recognize their story as a similar thread in God’s continuing story. I wonder how we as leaders can model and then create an environment that values stories, both past and present, and allows conversation around how God uses past events and experiences to shape present realities.
Historical awareness creates belonging. Our students are healthier when there is space to listen to the stories of others and come to understand that the Kingdom of God consists of a wide variety of people with a breadth of world experiences that provide different perspectives that we can learn from. Acknowledging our history cultivates humility and pride. It fosters a sense of belonging and purpose and students learn that they are not isolated in their experiences. They are part of a larger community where many have faced challenges and celebrated victories. By fostering an environment that values the faithfulness of God in both the past and present, we empower them to discover and embrace their role in God’s ongoing story, inspiring them to live out their faith boldly and authentically.
As I write, I wonder who in my community has a story that needs to be voiced and heard, used for God’s glory. I pray that God will use the stories in our communities to unfold a rich and diverse history of God’s people and God’s kingdom today. We are God’s story.
Rita Bergsma is the Seaway Valley Cohort Leader for Edvance, and Principal at Community Christian School in Metcalfe, ON.