Personal Stories That Move People to Action
Personal stories are the most powerful tool an organization has — but only when they’re told well.
Over the past 40+ years working as a visual storyteller, consultant, and instructor, I’ve learned that most organizations don’t struggle because they lack good work. They struggle because they don’t know how to uncover and shape the stories already inside their mission.
This collection of articles explores what makes a personal story resonate — whether you’re a nonprofit leader, missionary, business owner, or creative trying to communicate impact. You’ll find lessons from the field, reflections from real assignments, and practical insights on how to move from documenting activity to revealing meaning.
If you’re here because you want your communication to connect more deeply — not just inform but inspire — you’re in the right place.
And if you’d like help identifying and shaping the strongest stories inside your organization, let’s talk. The right story, told well, can change everything.
Caption: Straight from Tel Aviv to ATL, Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder brought the house down with his sharp, witty, and relatable humor! He was the headline act for Thursday Night Live, lighting up the stage…
This morning, I made a simple mistake in Quicken—one of those errors where you realize it just a second too late. I had to pull out the Time Machine backup, go back a few days,…
Photo Caption: David and Tami Woods are beginning a new chapter in Bobo, Burkina Faso—and they’re not doing it alone. As they moved into their new home, they were welcomed by homeowner M. Augustus Dembele…
Rose Nantonah, a nurse, is setting up an IV with a child patient at the Baptist Medical Center in Nalerigu, Ghana. Today is National Nurses Day, and I want to take a moment to recognize…
For as long as I can remember, words have never quite been enough. They often come out tangled, too late, or not at all. Growing up on the autism spectrum, I struggled with language, both…
Photo by Dennis Fahringer If you’ve ever worked with me, you know I’m constantly learning. That’s not just a professional habit—it’s wired into who I am. Being on the autism spectrum has given me a…
[NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 25600, 1/250, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 170)] I recently spent three intense days photographing in one of the darkest rooms I've ever…
Stanley is speaking to the YWAM School of Photography in Kona, Hawaii. Photo by Dennis Fahringer When asked to speak to a camera club composed mainly of amateurs, many thoughts run through the mind of…
As a photographer and creative, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson over the years: the importance of trying, even if it means facing the possibility of failure. We often discover the most remarkable outcomes in the…
Knolan Benfield, born on May 17th, 1941, passed away on July 11th, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, mentorship, and inspiration. His journey ended in the presence of his loving daughter, Therese Benfield LaValley, and…
The Fourth of July brought a fresh twist to my traditional fireworks photography this year. Instead of heading out to Roswell Area Park with my trusty tripod, I stayed home and captured the dazzling display…
Buying a car can often be more challenging than purchasing a house. In car dealerships, customers are frequently shuffled between rooms while salespeople dart back and forth to the sales manager. This practice not only…
