As a writer, I constantly have words floating in my brain. Words pinging the inside of my head, looking for the right way to get out. Sometimes they are lost or come out in ways unexpected, good and bad. Other times they flow out in a beautiful fashion. Those are the best times. Every now and then I might regret words, but that doesn’t happen often. I’m pretty deliberate with my words, often thinking far too much about what they mean and going back to explain them if they are misunderstood.
I was at a loss for words at the AYA Summit last week. By the end of the day on Thursday, there were tears, heart palpitations, and feelings of shock, happiness and empowerment all rolled into one. The bloggers in the room looked at each other and could barely speak. How do you explain the experience of hearing the words that explained exactly how those more than 200 Nigerian girls were kidnapped from their school as told from a brave young woman who escaped within 24 hours of the abduction? How do you share the brilliant and poignant performances of a homeless woman and poet determined to be a role model for young girls and the Hollywood actress staying true to her roots and telling African women stories through her play.
Sometimes there are no words, though I will attempt to recap my experience at the summit soon.
I’ve become more mindful of words over the years. They have so much power. Words. They can hurt you or fill your heart with love. They can comfort, make you laugh or thrust you into action. And then, of course, there are the words we are too afraid to say. I feel bad for those words, stuck in someone’s mind just itching to come out. I’ve got some of those words, but I try not to let them stay in my head for too long.
The best part about being a writer is when you find out that your own words have touched someone else. Knowing our words have meaning keeps us going. And writing more words.
I’ve experienced so many words this year that have given me much to think about, to celebrate and be thankful for. Meaningful words with meaningful people in so many different ways. They set the scene for the storylines of our lives.
And I thank you for reading my words.
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My pleasure reading your words always. And I can honestly say that I, too, try my best to make my words count always, but sometimes the inevitable happens here too and I am left speechless, too. I guess it just happens.
And I thank you for the pleasure of reading your words.
After what you experienced, there probably are no words, no adequate words, to say much else. Because, as they say, actions speak louder than words. As those kidnappings did.
Unconscionable? Inappropriate? Heartbreaking? These don’t express enough.
But you expressed yourself just right. And for that I am thankful, Jennifer.
Words really are incredibly powerful. I am so amazed how you continuously use the power of your words for good, and find the words when they are hard to find. I look forward to reading more about your experience.
Oh Jennifer!! This is just so beautifully said!!! I cannot imagine what you saw and heard and how powerful the experience was for you and all the other bloggers there receiving such gifts. I know that overwhelming feeling of how to even put into words what is whirling around in your heart!
I can’t wait for you to do just that though. You ALWAYS seem to find a way… deliberately and intentionally. That is your gift.
I remember as a kid, I’d say, “sticks and bones will break your bones, but words will break your heart.”
They can also lift it up too.
What an experience you just went through!
This is true, alllll true – You really do have homework every night, my brain never stops – it has words every minute.. I can’t write them all, I can’t remember them all, and worse of all is sometimes I can’t understand them all. It’s worse when you’re expected to explain something and you’re at a loss for words, ironic but happens to me all the time. That Nigerian situation – ugh that still irks me – even worse because WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM?! Now they’re in the background of a flood of evil around the world, to the riots in China, to the Ebola epidemic.. Too many things and I don’t feel there are enough words; the right words. Have a great one Jennifer! -Iva
Wow. I definitely can’t wait to hear about this!
I actually wrote about my reflections on the summit today, Ashlee! Here’s my post on World Moms Blog: http://www.worldmomsblog.com/2014/11/04/reflecting-ayasummit/ 🙂