When Stories Ignite the Soul

It was Saturday morning after a long week. I knew I should do something—be productive—but I was too drained. Instead of scrolling on Facebook and wasting the whole day, I decided to finish the movie Midway that I had started a few days before.

That may have been the best decision I made that weekend.

Watching the movie, I saw valor, courage, and grit as Richard Best carried out two successful dive bombings on Japanese aircraft carriers, helping change the fate of the war. I watched as his training and preparation paid off as he pulled off this rare feat. I sat there in awe, inspired by his sacrifice for the nation that I call home.

With that being said, you may ask why it was the best decision of the weekend. It is just a movie after all.

That is exactly why it was such a good choice. It was a movie—but more importantly, it was a story.

We Are Storytelling Creatures

The modern world we live in has a fascination with information and knowledge. We read countless nonfiction texts, business books, newspaper articles, scientific studies, theological manuals, and more. This makes sense in a fast-paced world where new information can sometimes mean the difference between success and failure.

Because of this, nonfiction has often taken the first position, while stories and fiction have been pushed to the back.

While this shift may seem more productive, it ignores a key reality about human beings: we are storytelling creatures.

We craft narratives to explain who we are, why we are here, and where we are going. Science, business, and nonfiction texts help us understand the world, but they rarely answer the deeper questions about who we should become.

Stories Form Us

Returning to my tired Saturday, I could have tried to push through or read a motivational book. Instead, I watched a movie full of virtue.

At the end I was inspired.

I saw a man willing to sacrifice his life so that I could have the country I do today. I walked away appreciating his sacrifice and wanting to honor his legacy with my life.

The same thing happened for my father in the Marines.

While recalling his time in boot camp, he once told me about his Marine Corps history class. At the time, I thought it sounded like a complete waste of time—my modern thinking coming through.

After watching The Pacific, I began to see it differently.

That history was not just informational—it was formational.

Those Marines learned about the courage, sacrifice, and grit of the men who came before them. They wanted to uphold the honor of that previous generation and add another chapter to the story of the Marine Corps.

That is the power of story.

It can convey grand truths and virtues while inspiring us to act.

Stories Are Everywhere

It doesn’t have to be a retelling of historical events either. It can be Boromir repenting of his fall and sacrificing himself for the hobbits. It can be the fatherly wisdom of Qui-Gon. It can be William Wallace leading others in the fight for freedom.

Even the stories of failure—such as Commodus in Gladiator—offer lessons for us to learn.

The Greatest Story

One story in particular that I would like to point you to is the Bible.

This year, my wife asked me if I would listen to the Bible in a Year podcast with her. I am usually hesitant to start new spiritual practices, but I agreed.

After about 70 days, I have to say this was one of her best suggestions.

I have read sections of the Bible before and knew a vague timeline. But hearing the story unfold in order is a completely different experience. I have seen how God loves and cares for His people—even as they grumble, wander, and reject Him.

The story He is telling is second to none.

And the remarkable part is that, like those Marines honoring the generations before them, we are writing the next chapter.

A Simple Challenge

As we enter Holy Week this Sunday, I would highly suggest starting Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz. It may not be the translation you prefer, but it is the story of God told by a priest who truly loves Him.

While I cannot promise it will change your life, you will quickly see that it is a powerful and engaging story that everyone should hear.

This week, take twenty minutes each day and listen to the Bible in a Year, podcast.

You may find yourself drawn into the greatest story ever told.

Forge Ahead

Anvil: the place of formation.
Arrow: the mission we’re sent on.

The world needs more men formed in virtue. Forward this to a brother who’s ready to grow.

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