Below is a story Jonathan shared with us from the road.  He’s working summer festivals for us this year, and we thought this story was too powerful to keep to ourselves.  We hope it moves you as it has moved us.

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I met a husband and wife today who pretty much changed my life. It was a simple interaction, without very many words. They came up while I was talking with some other people and started reading our backdrop and info cards. When I was done with the others, I asked them how they were doing and if they were familiar with us. The husband just looked at me with so much sincerity and extended his hand toward me. I reached out to shake his hand and noticed that his eyes were welling with tears. All he said to me was, “Thank you. Thank you and all of the others who are apart of this.” His wife stepped in and informed me that they lost their son a couple years ago to suicide. For a second, it felt like I shared the same heart with them. It was a moment I’ve never experienced while working at the TWLOHA table because it wasn’t a situation where a story was shared in full. Their hearts were revealed through their eyes and with simple, short sentences. The wife spoke for both of them and said, “What you all are doing is so important, and there are so many who need this message. Keep pressing forward with this, and know that you are making a difference even in the hearts of those who have lost someone to this already.” She smiled, the husband shook my hand again, and I told them I would be praying for them.

Kerri and Kathy showed me their hearts today. In the midst of a tragedy, they were finding hope for others. Through the tearful eyes of a father, I saw hope and love for the thousands of others like his son—the people who are lost in a dark place looking for a glimpse of light.

It’s amazing how being vulnerable with your own heart can change the hearts of many. Kerri and Kathy inspired me today by exposing their hearts. Our stories really are important, and they have the power to bring light into the darkest situations others are experiencing.

–Jonathan