I’ve seen it over and over that people identify more with others who have had similar experiences. My wife Pat is a cancer survivor. Those suffering from cancer listen to her because they know she’s suffered before. Our son Andrew was rebellious as a young man. Other rebellious young men listen to him because they see that he gets it. His wife, our beautiful daughter-in-law Wendy, has had the pain of several miscarriages. Other families who have suffered that devastating loss are comforted in talking with Wendy because she understands. It opens doors for the Good News Gospel.

As you are preparing to share your story, try to find a common ground. Nobody wants to talk to a stuffy person who acts like they’re perfect. Try your best to relate to the person you’re talking to so they know they aren’t alone. St. Paul writes that God has comforted us in our difficulties so we can comfort others. Listening to someone with empathy and understanding may be the one thing that will open up their heart and mind to the Good News.  And that way you are reaching your world.

This is Luis Palau.