At the recent Christian Businesses Professional Luncheon, Zak Ferry, founder and Executive Director of The Lion Project, spoke about the transformative power of storytelling for personal and business growth. Sharing his personal experiences, Zak emphasized how storytelling can shape our lives and influence others.
Zak’s Lion Story
Zak shared a poignant story from his high school days at Torrey Pines High School in San Diego. At 16, dealing with his mother’s attempted suicide, a teacher showed understanding and support, offering hope and a personal story of sobriety. This act of compassion, Zak notes, mirrored the forgiveness and hope Jesus extends in the story of the woman caught in adultery.
The Power of Storytelling
Zak explained that storytelling is powerful for two main reasons:
Divine Creation: According to John 1:1-4, Jesus created us and used stories to convey profound truths.
Scientific Insights: Neuroscience reveals that storytelling engages multiple brain regions, enhancing memory and emotional connection. Key brain regions and chemicals involved in storytelling include:
Hippocampus: Encodes long-term memory.
Amygdala: Processes emotions and enhances memory.
Prefrontal Cortex: Organizes narratives and maintains attention.
Visual Cortex: Creates vivid mental images.
Temporal Lobes: Comprehends language and auditory information.
Parietal Lobes: Integrates sensory information for detailed memory.
Default Mode Network: Reflects on narratives and relates them to personal experiences.
Chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, endorphins, cortisol, and serotonin play roles in enhancing memory and emotional connection during storytelling.
Biblical Examples and Business Application
Zak highlighted biblical figures like David, Moses, Gideon, Joseph, Ruth, and Peter, who overcame limiting stories with God’s help. He encouraged business leaders to transform their own limiting stories, leveraging storytelling for personal and professional growth. Stories make businesses 22 times more memorable, fostering a strong brand identity and customer loyalty.
Embracing a New Story in Christ
Christians are new creations with a new story. Zak urged the audience to explore “In Christ” phrases in the New Testament, transforming their narratives to align with God’s bigger story. He offered a simple storytelling structure for businesses: Introduction, Problem, Journey, and Outcome, emphasizing that people care about seeing themselves in your story.
Zak concluded with a heartwarming end to his Lion story. Five years after high school, he presented his mother with a sobriety token, with his supportive teacher leading an AA group. This moment highlighted the interconnectedness of our stories and God’s purpose for them. Zak encouraged everyone to live a bigger story in Christ, becoming a Lion in someone else’s story.
February brought a wave of warmth to our hearts, thanks to an extraordinary partnership with Mile High Spirits.
We’re delighted to share the exciting news about “The Lion’s Meow,” a special concoction that not only tickled taste buds but also stirred up a storm of generosity. Throughout the month, Mile High Spirits featured The Lion’s Meow as their charity cocktail, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. Drumroll, please! Together, an impressive 99 of these delightful drinks were sold, raising a whopping $495.00 in support of our mission to come alongside the Family and Community Engagement department of Denver Public Schools!
We are deeply grateful to Mile High Spirits for lending their creative spirits to this endeavor, proving that when good hearts come together, incredible things happen. The success of The Lion’s Meow speaks volumes about the wonderful community that surrounds The Lion Project. Here’s to Mile High Spirits for crafting a delightful concoction, and here’s to all of you, our amazing supporters, for sipping with purpose. Your contributions will go a long way in supporting the impactful projects and initiatives of The Lion Project.
What an incredible Lion Project Happy Hour at Mile High Spirits last evening! The atmosphere was electric, the specialty charity cocktail “The Lion’s Meow” was a hit, and the joyous chatter filled the air. Here’s a recap of our memorable time together:
Mile High Spirits provided the perfect backdrop for our happy hour. People sipped on our signature cocktail “The Lion’s Meow” while setting set the stage for a night filled with great conversations, and connection which is one of our favorite things!
The Lion Project community expanded as we welcomed new friends into our Lion Project family. It was heartwarming to see familiar faces from the past, creating a sense of continuity and shared history. The room buzzed with the energy of like-minded individuals coming together for a common purpose, to connect, get involved, and do good.
We were thrilled to be amongst new members of our board during the happy hour and look forward to the fresh perspectives they bring to the Lion Project family.
A highlight of the evening was having Amanda from our partner organization FACE (Family and Community Engagement) share the impactful mission of FACE. We love that we get to do 2024 with this amazing department of Denver Public Schools. We took the opportunity to share exciting news about our upcoming events and initiatives. The enthusiasm in the room was palpable as we discussed future projects and ways in which we can continue making a positive impact in our community.
In conclusion, our Lion Project Happy Hour at Mile High Spirits was a success. It showcased the power of our community, the strength of our partnerships, and the commitment we all share towards making a difference. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this fun evening, and we look forward to more in the near future!
Roar on,
Brandi McMichael
Marketing, Communications & Event director
This past Saturday marked a momentous occasion for the Lion Project as we hosted our 3rd Annual Suitcase Drive, a heartwarming event aimed at collecting suitcases for kids in foster care. Despite the challenging weather conditions with strong gusts of wind, our community rallied together to collect more than 60 suitcases! THANK YOU GUYS!!!!
Mother Nature may have thrown us a curveball with blustery winds, but it was awesome to witness the unwavering dedication of our community. We braved the weather to contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference in the lives of children in foster care. The wind, symbolic of the challenges these kids face, became a shared obstacle that only strengthened our resolve to provide them with a sense of stability and dignity. And… we also had a warm car to run to if we needed a break.
The Lion Project Suitcase Drive
For many children in foster care, the experience of moving from one place to another can be both daunting and disheartening. The simple act of owning a suitcase can bring about a profound positive change. It not only provides a practical solution for transporting belongings but also symbolizes a commitment to breaking the cycle of uncertainty and instability that these children often face. By gifting them with a suitcase, we are offering a small but significant gesture of hope and normalcy.
To everyone who participated in the Suitcase Drive, whether by donating a suitcase, volunteering time, or spreading the word, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your support has made a tangible impact on the lives of children in foster care, offering them a brighter and more hopeful future. Thanks to your generosity, these children will no longer have to carry their belongings in garbage bags, a small yet powerful step toward restoring their sense of dignity and self-worth.
We collected 60+ suitcases
The success of the 3rd Annual Suitcase Drive amidst challenging weather conditions is a testament to the resilience and compassion of our community. Together, we have demonstrated that even the strongest winds cannot extinguish the flame of kindness. As we reflect on this remarkable event, let us carry this momentum forward, continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. The Lion Project’s commitment to fostering positive change remains steadfast, and with your ongoing support, we look forward to creating a brighter future for children in foster care. Thank you, everyone!
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in the Lion Project’s Commuter Donation Drive. Your support made a tremendous impact on the lives of kids and teens in foster care. Thank you! Your generosity knew no bounds. From toys, clothes, and shoes to suitcases, hats, and backpacks, each item filled our car to the brim. Your donations spoke volumes about the compassion and care within our community.
We witnessed an inspiring sight as our community came together to bring joy and comfort to those in need. Your contributions not only provide essential items but also send a powerful message of support and belonging. Thanks to your kindness, children and teens in foster care will receive not just material support but also a renewed sense of hope. Your donations will make a lasting difference in their lives, reminding them they are valued.
On behalf of the Lion Project team, we cannot express enough gratitude for your overwhelming support during the Commuter Donation Drive. Together, we are building a brighter future, one act of kindness at a time. Thank you for being part of our compassionate community.
