Tell Me a Story

As I often do on Sundays during the college football season, I spend some time reading about games across the country, including insights offered by coaches. One of my favorite websites, FootballScoop.com, had an interesting tidbit on LSU Coach Brian Kelly trying to use Michael Jordan as a parallel for his star defensive player. There's only problem with the comparison...the freshman linebacker had no idea who Jordan was.

I recall chuckling at first as I read the article. How in the world could someone not know who MJ is? But then it hit me squarely...Jordan retired in 2003 and never graced the court after this young man was born.

Closing my web browser, I spent a few contemplative moments applying the lesson from this interaction to my own family. My oldest two children were alive when the catastrophic F5 tornado decimated our community in 1999 and my oldest was just a few months old when the Murrah bombing occurred; in both cases they were likely too young to have much recollection. My other children will only know those events by their history lessons in school, periodic news references or trips to and by the memorials. However, my guess is they have no appreciation for the end of the Cold War, the failure of Penn Square Bank or the tragedy of the Edmond Post Office massacre. Chances are there are readers of this blog who will not understand those references either despite the massive impact they had on those who lived during that time period.

It dawned on me...I have a lot of stories to tell, Whether its for the benefit of my family, the awareness of coworkers or the understanding of friends and colleagues, it's story telling that will relay the lessons learned from one generation to the next. Passing on history and custom is important to our collective knowledge and awareness and I encourage you to spend time sharing history and experience with those in your sphere of influence.

Likewise, seek to learn from storytellers. One of my most cherished moments of adulthood was spending a day with Senator and American Hero John Glenn. I couldn't get enough of his recounting his career in the military, astronaut corps and the US Senate. My lifetime overlapped with his political career but his unique observations of the 1950's and '60's have significantly framed my understanding of the decades proceeding my birth. 

In closing, become a storyteller and a story seeker. Do your part in helping future generations learn about our history and collective experiences by sharing with those in your circle. And actively seek to hear from others as their unique perspectives and recollections will offer you important insight and understanding. 

I look forward to hearing your stories and sharing some of mine in the weeks and months to come.