I never thought much about storytelling, really, until I started blogging almost six years ago. I certainly didn’t think about telling my stories. But when I started writing here something cathartic happened. My past bubbled over into my present, and I couldn’t shake it.

I wanted something good to come from stories that brought me so much pain and so much joy. I figured that if nothing good came from them then they were lived in vain, in a sense. Desperate to make my stories have a purpose, I slowly opened up and began telling them one by one.

Then the emails came. Messages from all of you, from all over the world, telling me thank you and that you understood and that you made a different choice because of something I wrote.

There was redemption.

I began to think that I’d live those stories again if it meant they would help someone else. I saw a glimpse of the bigger story. The past started to make sense.

Every living person has a story to tell. And for every story there is someone who needs to hear it. And the person who hears it creates their own story with possibly a bit of how yours changed theirs. Then, they share their story with someone new. Your story can change the world. 

We need your story.

This year the (in)RL Conference is all about story-telling. I want to invite you to a community where your story is hoped for, needed, and welcomed. Yes, that can be a little scary. But at the same time it’s freeing.

Someone is waiting to hear your story. Someone is waiting for your story to change their world.

If you’re not familiar with (in)RL, it’s a two-day conference in April right in your hometown wherever that may be. Women from around the world host the (in)RL conference in their homes or local coffee shops or even churches. And you’re invited. Regardless if you don’t know anyone yet, you’re still invited.

Registration starts today! And it’s FREE!

Here are all the details: 

When: The (in)RL Online Webcast kicks off on Friday, April 25 and (in)RL Meet-ups follow on Saturday, April 26.

What: In 2012 we explored the nitty-gritty of community. Last year we took a closer look at what it takes to stay rooted in community, even when sometimes walking away would be so much easier. This year we’re looking at the power of story. No matter how much life you’ve lived or what you’ve walked through, you have a story. And girl, we need your story! More than 30 women in different stages of life will share their personal testimonies and stories of community, the messy and the beautiful and the beautifully messy.

More Info and Registration: Go to the (in)Courage website here to learn more about the past (in)RL conferences and to register for a meet-up near you (or to host your own)!

Extra Fun Stuff: We’re giving everyone who registers a free backstage pass to all (in)RL content from 2012 & 2013! {access expires April 24, 2014}

AND

Anyone who registers on the www.inrl.us page on January 15th will be entered to win a FREE Allume Conference ticket!

New This Year! Instead of charging for (in)RL, we’re offering a Giv(in)g opportunity. Click here for more details.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to ask me! I hosted (in)RL the first year and attended last year! If you live in NC, I’d also love to meet you at this year’s meet-up!