There’s power in words. There is even more power in words that are strung together to tell a story. Stories reveal truths, encourage exploration, generate curiosity, and more. They become a connective tissue between time, people, cultures, and experiences.

There’s special power in a story shared aloud.

A few weeks ago, I witnessed an author reading to an all-adult audience. The specifics don’t matter as much as what I witnessed. Not a sound could be heard in the auditorium of over 300. The only sound was the author’s voice weaving a tale that held listeners rapt.

Words made into stories, read aloud, create what author Kate DiCamillo calls a “safe room” allowing connection, even making them.

As diCamillo reminds us, it is the power of story shared whether between listeners of any age that connects.

Take some time. Share a story. Connect.