Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde, Schools Project Lead for Difference and National Education Lead for Racial Justice for the National Society for Education, reflects on the power that stories have – to open our eyes to different perspectives, to shape our understanding of the world and to connect us.
Growing up in the UK with Nigerian and Brazilian roots, my love for stories began early. I was captivated by the magical world of books, diving into the stories and the images they created. But as a young girl, I noticed something troubling: none of the stories featured anyone like me. The characters didn’t look like me, speak like me, or share my cultural background.
At that age, I didn’t ask questions about it. I was a child eager to learn, and I respected my teachers. But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. The stories I was being told seemed to exist in a world far removed from my own. It was a world where I didn’t seem to belong.
As I grew older and I explored more literature, I realised something: stories have the power to build bridges, create empathy, and open our eyes to different experiences. I sought out books that celebrated diversity, stories that featured characters from various backgrounds, stories that finally reflected people like me.
Through these books, I found a sense of belonging. They became mirrors reflecting my identity and a window into the world of others.
Jesus, the storyteller
Jesus himself frequently used stories – parables – to communicate deeper truths and challenge the assumptions of those who listened. Through stories like the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Lost Sheep, Jesus invited people to see the world differently, to recognise the dignity of others, and to understand God’s love in new ways. His stories broke down barriers, subverted expectations, and encouraged his followers to live with compassion and justice.
Matthew 13:34 reminds us, “Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.” Jesus knew that stories had the power to open hearts and minds, to reveal deeper truths, and to challenge people to see beyond their own experiences.
If Jesus used storytelling to transform lives, how much more should we seek out stories that challenge and inspire us today?
The danger of a single story
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED talk, The Danger of a Single Story, serves as a powerful reminder: when we limit stories to just one version, we overlook the richness of human experiences. This “single story” approach can create stereotypes and misconceptions, leading to biases that distort our view of the world and the people in it.
This message is especially important for our communities. We need to ask: whose stories are we telling? Who gets to speak, and who is left out? In a world where certain narratives have been dominant, it’s crucial to amplify the voices of those who have been marginalised. When we do, we give children and young people a fuller and more accurate picture of the world, helping them understand their place in it.
We must also consider the question: who holds the pen? When the power of storytelling lies with a narrow group of people, many voices are silenced. As Christians striving for justice and inclusivity, we need to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to tell their own story. This way, we can create a world where all identities are recognised and celebrated.
Difference: a path to storytelling and reconciliation
Stories have the extraordinary power to shape our understanding of the world. They can teach us to appreciate the beauty of diversity and inspire us to work together for a more just, inclusive society. In today’s world, the power of stories is undeniable. Stories are what connect us, and they provide the foundation for empathy, understanding, and reconciliation.
Practically, this translates into resources that share diverse stories and perspectives; however, real impact requires time – time to allow individuals to share their own stories and, just as importantly, to listen to others’ stories with openness, respect, and care.
The Difference course is one such approach. It creates spaces for meaningful dialogue, encouraging participants to listen to different perspectives and to consider the world from the viewpoint of others. Through its practices of learning, listening, and active engagement, Difference empowers communities to build bridges, embrace diversity, and strengthen connections across divides. It offers tools for reconciliation that invite people to hear one another’s stories and to develop empathy and understanding in ways that lead to lasting change.
So, what new story will you seek out today? Who will you listen to in a way that challenges your perspective? The invitation is open – step into the journey of Difference and discover the power of stories to transform and reconcile.
Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde is the Schools Project Lead for Difference, focusing on Difference for Primary Schools which is launching in Summer 2025. She also works as the National Education Lead for Racial Justice for the National Society for Education and has recently contributed to Wild Bright Hope – the 2025 Big Church Read Lent book.
