--- title: Stories That Shape Us date: 2025-04-22T00:00:00-05:00 author: Jennifer Vermeer canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/stories-that-shape-us" section: In All Things --- [ View All Articles](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things) [Series](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things?category=series) Apr 22, 2025 # Stories That Shape Us Stories are powerful. Not only do they unveil truth, but they also shape how we view our lives, relationships, and the world in which we live. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/iatstoriesthatshape.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=9090be28&v=80ed8306eda8a5b412174c6d8a5549738c68d130e1bdca08d9a0a220298c8daa) ![]() ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/iatstoriesthatshape2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=40&h=25&c=05461ccf&v=ad06b0a5bcec42dc81b46161647dee9f42f7d5aee0024b046c4cd79018e23449) ## Stories That Shape Us How can well-crafted stories reveal truth, stir the imagination, and bring glory to God? [### Content Worth Consuming How does the quiet, steadfast pursuit of excellence in our creating and collaborating bring glory to the Lord? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/content-worth-consuming) [### Creating Redemptive Worlds In film, the art of production design is about more than aesthetics—it's a language for storytelling. How can film reveal truth and redemption in surprising places? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/creating-redemptive-worlds) [### "Next Time is Next Time. Now is Now": A Review of Perfect Days What if true fulfillment lies not in grand achievements, but in the quiet dedication to everyday tasks? This review of Perfect Days, a film directed by Wim Wenders, invites us to reflect on how the portrayal of ordinary life challenges our expectations of happiness and purpose. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/next-time-is-next-time-now-is-now-a-review-of-perfect-days) [### Empathy, Morality, and Machines: A Reflection on The Wild Robot What does it mean to be human? This analysis of The Wild Robot explores how the collision of technology and nature forces us to confront truths about our identity, purpose, and the power of connection. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/empathy-morality-and-machines-a-reflection-on-the-wild-robot) [### Building Character: How Stories Shape Our Children The stories we share with our children influence their understanding of the world and themselves. What should we consider as we evaluate which stories add value to our children's development as image bearers? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/building-character-how-stories-shape-our-children) [### For All Ages: The Universal Appeal of Bluey A father and son share how a popular television series, such as Bluey, can strengthen a family bond and create teachable moments for parents and children alike. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/for-all-ages-the-universal-appeal-of-bluey) [### Unlocking the Magic of Reading Reading is more than a skill—it’s a tool to help us find meaning and connection. What do we risk when we limit which stories can be told? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/unlocking-the-magic-of-reading) [### The Stages of Empathy The beauty of live performance lies not just in the story told, but in the sense of community it creates—where truth and empathy intertwine. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/the-stages-of-empathy) [### A Tale of Two Stages Live performance is more than entertainment—it creates lasting memories and bonds while revealing truths that resonate throughout the human experience. How do the performances we attend capture the spirit of the present while also echoing timeless truths shared across humanity? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/a-tale-of-two-stages) [### A Living Curiosity: Storytelling as an Invitation to Wonder Visual storytelling invites audiences to see the world with greater attention and understanding. How might a closer look inspire curiosity, wonder, and stewardship? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/a-living-curiosity-storytelling-as-an-invitation-to-wonder) [### To Be Known: Stories and Belonging Stories help us make sense of ourselves and our place in the world. Are we paying attention to the way stories are influencing our children's sense of identity and belonging? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/to-be-known) [### Stories that Stretch Us: Jury Duty as Anti-Rage Bait "...the stories that really shape us are types of stories, especially those we gravitate towards or away from." Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/stories-that-stretch-us-jury-duty-as-anti-rage-bait) [### Why Children's Books Were Never Meant Just for Kids What stories are we missing out on simply because they sit in a section we believe no longer belongs to us? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/why-childrens-books-were-never-meant-just-for-kids) [### Finding Happiness in “The Orange” How often does joy arrive not when it is pursued, but through participation in everyday life shared with others? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/finding-happiness-in-the-orange) [### Little Hallelujahs How might our hearts and habits change if we became more attentive to the little hallelujahs unfolding around us? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/little-hallelujahs) [### When All Around is Dark: Puppetry and the Power of Imagination In learning to imagine beyond what is visible, stories invite us to expand our capacity for empathy, meaning-making, and hope. How does engaging our imagination as an audience deepen our ability to find meaning in the world around us? Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/when-all-around-is-dark-puppetry-and-the-power-of-imagination) --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/iatadvocacy-newsletter.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=ffcace0e&v=72b12ffb1e157f9be86a49d1bb04f013626ba4e6c2e0db905c3dd0f45b97bcd5) Series May 22, 2025 ## Faithful Advocacy Throughout the Bible, God reveals His heart for justice, mercy, and restoration. How are Christians bringing hope, healing, and flourishing to others in the world today? Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/faithful-advocacy) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/iatinlifeanddeath.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=4ea9c8dd&v=8c2a5495cb12d88942c49db78cad3c8400fa0674caf796af2009d66a7f4420a0) Series Mar 07, 2025 ## In Life and Death: Navigating End of Life Care In the face of mortality, how do we reconcile the sanctity of life with the inevitability of death? How does faith shape the way we care for those facing life's final days? Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/in-life-and-death-navigating-end-of-life-care) [ ![]() ## In All Things View Articles ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things)