To Be Told:
Know Your Story, Shape Your Future
by Dr. Dan B. Allender
In To Be Told, Dr. Dan Allender reminds readers that their lives are not random collections of events but divinely authored stories. Every joy and every wound, every betrayal and every moment of beauty, contributes to a narrative that God Himself is writing. Allender helps readers uncover how the themes of their past illuminate their present and call them toward a purposeful future.
This isn’t a memoir exercise or a self-help manual—it’s a theology of narrative. Allender shows that to ignore our story is to miss how God reveals Himself in the details of our lives. Learning to read our past with honesty and grace opens a pathway to transformation and renewed calling.
Why We Recommend It
To Be Told is an essential resource for anyone drawn to the idea of “story work.” It’s practical without being prescriptive and deeply spiritual without sentimentality. Allender invites readers to see their lives through God’s eyes—where even pain has purpose and every chapter leads somewhere redemptive.
For counselors and ministry leaders, it offers language to help others make sense of their past without shame. For survivors, it offers a way to re-enter their story with courage. And for the Church, it’s a reminder that testimony is not a tidy summary of faith but an ongoing collaboration with the Author of redemption.
This title is also featured in our show notes for Season 6: “Bearing Witness,” on the Safe to Hope podcast.
Key Takeaways
-
Every life tells a story—understanding it is part of our spiritual formation.
-
God is both the Author and the Companion within our narrative.
-
Healing begins when we stop editing our story to make it more acceptable.
-
Naming themes and patterns helps reveal both harm and calling.
-
When we tell our stories truthfully, we invite others to find courage for their own.
About the Author
Dr. Dan B. Allender is a therapist, author, and co-founder of The Allender Center at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. His narrative-focused approach integrates faith and psychology to help individuals engage their stories with compassion and curiosity.
Who It’s For
Counselors, coaches, pastors, and individuals exploring the intersection of faith, story, and calling. A foundational text for anyone practicing or teaching narrative-focused trauma care.
As an Amazon Associate, Help[H]er may earn from qualifying purchases. Link to purchase.
