Have you ever missed an important deadline? I was so wrapped up in completing another important goal that I missed a deadline recently. I didn’t even realize I’d missed the deadline until I received an email from a colleague apologizing for not getting back to me sooner: life had happened to her and she did not get back with me about us collaborating together for an upcoming presentation. I had created an outline and a title for our presentation, but then I started working on another project while waiting for her to get back with me. (I never like to sit idle waiting, so I moved on to my next project.) Anyway, I got so consumed in the other project I didn’t realize the approaching deadline and missed the proposal call for the Texas Library Association’s District 8 Fall Conference. Although disappointing, I moved on quickly because everything happens for a reason.
From early childhood, children love a good story. Stories move life forward in so many ways; stories help us forget the reality that is our life and we may temporarily escape into the imaginary world of our characters; as educators we enjoy reading picture books to students, they often light up as we read aloud acting out the story and making the different voices of the characters from the book. (Let me preface this by saying, I’m not a hugger, and never really have been, but if you are a relative or a close friend then that’s different. Even now post pandemic, I tend to keep my distance.) I have also had students who were neurodiverse, and did not like hugs. So, I found a book, Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finison and read it aloud to my Kindergarten through 2nd grade students. We had a blast; I bought some of Doug’s favorite items: chalk, rocks, socks. I even purchased “glasses” sunshades with the lens popped out and a shirt that looked like the book’s main character. During each reading, I choose a Doug from the class to act out the book as I read it. Students were truly engaged.
Even adults love a good story, otherwise Audible, Hulu, Netflix, Hallmark, and other platforms wouldn’t be so popular. We too enjoy stories whether listening to an e-book or watching a movie or being captivated by a series and binge watching for hours. One of my favorites, Leverage Redemption, the team of Sophie, Eliot, Hardison, Breanna, Parker, and Harry, always fight for the underdog. Season 2, Episode 8, “The Turkish Prisoner Job”, Harry leads the team in multiple elaborate stories to take down the bad cops as they conspire to scale the ranks of the police department by sending innocent citizens to jail. Leverage Redemption's writers weave complex plots with satisfying resolutions in which the regular everyday person leaves with not only victory but usually an enhanced back account with millions of dollars as payback for the turmoil endured by the bad guys.
Not only do we enjoy a good story; many of us have a tremendous story. Our story is not for us. It is meant to be shared with others similar to your favorite book or show; the events, both good and bad, are meant to be told for others to hear. The jewels within your story elevate others, and encourage them to know that firstly they are not alone, and secondly gives them possibilities of positive outcomes, as they continue in their journey. TLA's District 8 Fall Conference theme, Find Your Voice, Tell Your Story is a timely one. My story is not your story, but each of us have value and can learn from one another. It is my hope you share your story in a way that helps you and helps others. Find what works for you. It may be a podcast, it may be a blog, it may be a book, it may be a song, it may even be a proposal for a presentation (just don’t miss the deadline…smile) it may not even be listed here and that’s ok. The point is for you to find your voice and tell your story any way you can because someone needs to hear it.
While at a workshop recently, I was reminded of this fact, “ When writing the story of your life…don’t let anyone else hold the pen.” I implore you today, if your writing instrument was taken away or whether you gave it away willingly, get it back. Get it back now. It is not too late. I am reminded of the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel who spoke to the dry bones. Under the direction of God, he spoke to a dead situation and it changed. Do you have a dead situation in your life? How can you reframe by envisioning it using God’s words? The prophet spoke to the bones and they not only moved, but their joints, muscles, and skin came upon the bones but it still needed breath. God directs Ezekiel to call for the wind and the spirit of God moved and filled the body and life came to the once dry bones.
What are you waiting for? Someone needs your voice. It may be a child being bullied and contemplating suicide. It may be a teenager turning to drugs to escape life’s pressures. It may even be a family member who lost their transportation to repossession. It may even be your boss, under the constant scrutiny of the higher ups and struggling with mental health. How can you speak life into them? One element of a good story is the overarching theme that speaks to all humans because it resonates with our human experiences and moves us beyond what we currently see or feel. Open your mouth today; use your voice to change the hearts and minds of those in your sphere. It’s worth it; the breath of life is for each of us. Breathe life into someone today.
Lighting the way,
Fiya Librarian
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