ChiroVille Adventures Episode 2: A Story Worth Sharing

Oscar the owl—Wellsville’s wise (and occasionally blunt) preacher—tilted his head as he lay on the adjustment table.

“What are you so scared of?” he asked, a hint of mockery in his voice.

Dr. Bottom, the town’s trusted chiropractor—and an orangutan with a heart for helping people—froze mid-adjustment.

The question hit him out of nowhere.

Just seconds ago, they had been talking about Bubba Blue and the incredible results others were experiencing through chiropractic care.

Dr. Bottom blinked, trying to process what he had just heard.

“You just said you wish more people knew about the benefits of chiropractic care,” Oscar continued, fixing him with a stern glare. “Then tell them.”

Still puzzled, Dr. Bottom scratched his head, trying to make sense of it. For a brief second, he even wondered if Oscar might be losing his marbles. 

“Dr. Bottom,” Oscar said, softening his tone, “I’m a preacher. I want everyone to know about what Jesus has done for us and to accept Him into their lives.” He paused. “So… I tell them.”

Dr. Bottom’s eyes widened. “Are you suggesting public speaking… like in front of people?” he said nervously. “Do I get bonus points if I throw up on the front row? Because I’m fairly certain that’s what would happen if I did what you do every week.”

“Well, how do you expect people to know if you don’t tell them?” Oscar replied.

“Oscar, our professions are completely different. Besides, you’re a naturally gifted speaker,” Dr. Bottom said.

Oscar smirked. “That’s news to me.”

“Come on—you’re so good that new people join your church every week because of your sermons. That’s got to be natural talent,” Dr. Bottom insisted.

“It might look that way on the outside,” Oscar said, “but your patients could say the same about your treatment skills. What they don’t see are the countless hours you’ve studied and practiced… and the same goes for me.”

Oscar leaned back and continued.

“The first time I preached, I froze. Completely. My fear took over, and I couldn’t say a single word. Not one. For three long, painful minutes. My only saving grace was the worship leader jumping in to close things out. The next morning, I stormed into the lead pastor’s office and told him I was never preaching again.”

Oscar smiled slightly.

“He looked at me and said, ‘You have a story worth sharing. It would be a shame for people not to hear it.’”

With that, Oscar hopped down, said nothing more, and walked out—leaving Dr. Bottom deep in thought.

That evening, Dr. Bottom met his friend  Bubba Blue for some catfishing. Evening was the best time—and besides, catfishing required patience… which gave them plenty of time to talk.

“Oscar’s feathers might be screwed on too tight,” Dr. Bottom said, casting his line. “He told me I should start public speaking and something about having a story worth sharing.”

Bubba glanced over at him. “Well… yeah. How else are people supposed to know what chiropractic can do? They sure don’t teach that at Wellsville High.” 

Dr. Bottom raised an eyebrow.

“I think I know what Oscar meant,” Bubba continued. “Remember when you told me about falling out of that treehouse as a kid? Messed up your shoulder pretty bad… and how a chiropractor took the time to listen to you and helped you get back to playing baseball?”

Dr. Bottom nodded.

“Do you ever tell people that story?” Bubba asked. “Or how that experience is the reason you became a chiropractor in the first place?”

Dr. Bottom shrugged. “No. I figured people don’t care about that stuff. They’re focused on their  own pain.”

Bubba chuckled. “Fair point. When I first came to you after lifting that hog, all I could think about was my pain. I couldn’t even stand up straight. But when you shared your story with me during a wellness visit… something changed.”

He looked out over the water.

“I felt connected to you. Like you understood what I was going through. It made me trust you more.”

A week later, Oscar returned for his regular adjustment. He always enjoyed being able to turn his head nearly all the way around—an owl thing, of course. 

Afterward, he asked, “Have you thought any more about what we talked about?”

“I did,” Dr. Bottom said cautiously. “And I think you might be right, but—”

Before he could finish, Oscar cut him off.

“Great! This Sunday, we’re talking about sharing our testimonies. And during the sermon…” Oscar grinned, “…I’m going to invite you on stage to share yours—and how God is using you to care for the spines of Wellsville.”

And just like that—another mic drop. Oscar turned and walked out before Dr. Bottom could protest. 

That week, Dr. Bottom tossed and turned night after night. Every version of the speech ended the same way—in embarrassment. He was convinced he’d become the laughingstock of all Wellsville.

Sunday morning came, and he briefly considered telling a “little white lie” to get out of it.

But a lie is still a lie.

So, he showed up.

Throughout the sermon, his heart pounded as he waited. And then it happened.

“Help me welcome my good friend, Dr. Bottom,” Oscar said. “He’s going to share his story and how God is using his chiropractic office to serve our community.”

Dr. Bottom walked to the stage with sweaty hands and a shaky voice.

Then he remembered Oscar’s words:

“You have a story worth sharing.”

So he told it. 

To him, it felt like a blur.

But when he finished, the room erupted in applause—people on their feet.

Oscar smiled, as if he knew all along.

Knowing you have a story to tell—and believing in yourself—is half the battle.

The other half?

Stepping up… and sharing it.