Did you ever notice how we take events or episodes from our lives and turn them into stories that we share with others? Why do we do this? Psychologists explain that we do it, not just to entertain people, but to make sense out of events that would otherwise seem puzzling or random. Such stories can influence our future behavior as well as the behavior of others. For example, if we share a story of a struggle we successfully overcame (a redemptive story), such a story can give us and others the inspiration and hope needed to tackle similar challenges. Such stories are considered “generative.” They generate hope and enable us to nurture and guide others, especially younger people, to a better future. Generative stories are, of course, the opposite of the kinds of stories told by Debbie Downer—stories designed to convince people to throw in the towel. The stories of Scripture and the stories of the saints are generative stories, which is why we need to teach them to our children so that they grow up with a healthy narrative. In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the power of generative stories in building a healthy narrative in which children can grow and flourish.
For more information about the power of generative stories, check out the following links:
- Nurturing Imagination and Creativity in Young Children
- Populating the Imaginations of Preschool Children
- Laying the Foundations for Bible Literacy
- Storytelling as a Tool for Evangelization
- Proclaim Jesus’ Mighty Deeds
- “What’s Your Story?” Inviting Children into a Healthy Narrative
- Bible Stories for Children
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