Everyone reading this should know about parables in the Bible during Jesus’ time on Earth but I will explain them anyway maybe to those who don’t know what they are. According to the official definition from Oxford Languages which states that parables are, “a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.” (related post: Our God Waits)
What does that have to do with a Social Story?
According to my research and knowledge (I’ve looked into this before through my time as a Special Education Teacher and a Behaviorist) is the following explanation: “A Social Story is a personalized, short narrative tool, created by Carol Gray, designed to teach individuals-particularly those with autism-about social situations, expectations and skills. They use clear, descriptive language and visuals to reduce anxiety and promote independence.” (for more information on social stories, please visit her website: https://carolgraysocialstories.com )
Now, I don’t know Carol Gray but I do know that what she came up with is a way to reach those who cannot communicate like you and I do. A Social Story is about using visuals and not just words. What’s really beautiful about it is that it’s a way of teaching a much needed skill and, in fact, I can also say that it can be used for ANYONE who needs information given to them in a different way, not just someone within the autism spectrum. If you think about it, Jesus, when He was here on Earth, did the same thing with us. He gave us stories that we can learn from and grow in. It was and is our Lord’s way of helping us to make that connection with God and each other.
When I’m speaking with others, I also have a tendency to add in stories of things that I have seen and experienced. It’s a way of connecting to others and helping them to see a point of what I am talking about. We also can use Social Narratives, which is more like parables than even social stories and it is described in the following way: “a personalized, short story with text and visuals that describes a specific social situation, skill or expectation to help individuals-particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-understand social cues and appropriate responses.”
These Social Stories/Parables/Social Narratives all follow the same idea and our Lord and Savior thought of them first! He wanted us to know that we can learn from what we hear and see in the stories and visuals that are presented to us. Thank you Carol Gray for coming up with that concept in this more recent timeframe for students with ASD, but I’m going to say the biggest “Thank you!” goes to Jesus because His model is the BEST one to follow on what has, can, and will help us in the right now when we are coping with the everyday of our lives.
What did I learn from this? Every one of us has a story to tell. Every one of us can use our own stories to help and shape others. I’m an observer. I know that that makes some people nervous but I have always been fascinated in watching others and figuring out why they do the things that they do. There is so much that is shown in our facial expressions and body language and each one tells a story of what is going on inside of us. I also know that our God knows and sees everything that we don’t say. He knows when we are troubled or unsure, when we are happy and joyful, when we need comfort and reassurance. I know that any emotion that I feel is seen and known by God. My comfort is in reading His Holy Word, the Bible, in worship, in song and in prayer.
So, what can you gain from this? You are not alone and you are not isolated. There are so many others who feel joy and sorrow, pain and frustration, anger and sadness. Reach out to them. Listen to their story and tell them yours. You will find a connection. We are so much more alike than we are different. Also, reach out to our God. He loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to live and die on this Earth, then He rose up from the dead. We have a living God who loves you more than mere words can say. He will hold you in His arms and comfort you. Just know that you are loved. (Related post: For the Love of Our Soul)
A Joyful Mission 