Stories

When we share our stories, understanding, empathy and trust grow. Our relationships improve and we get a stronger sense of community. At Heartlines, we’ve seen how story-sharing has impacted and connected thousands of people beyond anything we could have imagined. Here are some of those stories.

All stories

Apartheid affected us all

In 2003 the white church leaders of our town repented to the black church leaders for the sins of apartheid. In 2008, we repented in the Mpumalanga government, and in 2017 we repented in Parliament.

Overcoming prejudice at work and in sports

The journey across the racial divide to shared empathy has been – and still is – a difficult and complex one, but stories like Zikisa’s and Maqubela's give us hope.

I didn't want to be a statistic

"I've got to make the decision, do I want to be a statistic, or do I want to be there for my girls?" Tracy and her daughters share their courageous story of leaving a home filled with abuse and violence.

Cecilia's triumph against cancer

Cecilia's battle with cancer was tough. Just when she thought it was over, the cancer recurred, and she had to have a mastectomy.

Nathan Carolissen shares about overcoming issues of identity as a young person, and he reflects on how the storytelling process has impacted the lives of the young people in his youth group.

It's not just a man's world

Sarah’s journey to embracing womanhood has taught her that she is free to be unique – and to make choices that empower not only her, but her family as well.

Depression made me feel weak

When Anela’s depression became more severe, she thought that suicide was the only option. She recounts the story of how it brought her to a halt, and how, eventually, she survived.

I was abandoned at birth

From the time he was abandoned at birth, to when he eventually found his family, Innocent has struggled with belonging and identity.

I could have been trafficked that day

A narrow escape from being trafficked 24 years ago changed Blessing’s life forever. As an anti-human trafficking activist, she is now directly involved in making sure other girls and women are able to return to their homes safely.

My life was not worth living

A young woman tells her story of overcoming guilt and finding fresh strength for life.

I made the right choice

When her stepfather and mother got a divorce, Daniella’s life nearly fell apart. It affected her health, and all of a sudden, she had to fend for herself.

Black Twitter found my father in 24 hours

Sara-Jayne King tells us about how her mother gave her up for adoption in England and upon her return to South Africa, told everyone she was dead. She also tells us how Black Twitter helped her find her biological father in 24 hours.

What's Your Story - Church