My Experience in This Week's Writing Workshop
When I saw the prompts about Charlie Kirk, disagreement, and worldview, my mouth literally dropped open!
Editor’s Note:
It is a privilege to share this piece from contributor and friend
. She’s a courageous writer, talented spoken word artist, and a faithful anchor in the Speak Up community.—Matt Shaw
Are You Crazy???
"Write about Charlie Kirk, your worldview, and people who believe differently."
When I saw those writing prompts that my group facilitator gave us as a choice to write on for the writer's group this week, I have to admit, I kind of did a little mouth drop and kind of raised my eyebrows at him like, “Are you (crazy??? 😳) sure?”
And him being him, he just gave that smile he does and pointed to the paper and said let's get to work. It's writing time. We could write on it if we wanted to. If we didn't want to, we didn't have to. But the main thing was giving us that option, and giving us that space to write and share and speak. And having everyone else to not say a word but just listen and applaud and encourage.
And I have to say, I did write on CK and speak it out loud, even reading out loud some of the posts I posted on Facebook that not everyone agreed with. And I'll never know if everyone in the writer's group agreed with what I had to say or not, but they listened. And they allowed me to speak. And it just felt so powerful. And so needed. Because that's all we need with what's been going on in the country and society, just giving people the opportunity to speak and listen. And try to understand if you don't understand. And if you don't understand, admit you're not understanding, and continue to listen.
Check out this video of
talking about yesterday's writing session:Write About: Charlie Kirk, your worldview, and people who believe differently
Yesterday I sat down with 15 other people—a group that is racially diverse, politically diverse, young and old, rich and poor—and wrote and shared about Charlie Kirk, our worldviews, and what it looks like to honor those who believe differently.
It most definitely has been a lot to process last week. But I am so grateful for the writing group and the prayer room to help me through.
For those of you who would like to join in on any of the writing sessions, join us!
— Pauline
📝 Next Two Writing Workshops in Rock Hill, SC:
Writing prompts, coffee, donuts, notebooks, and pens are all provided. No need to RSVP. Just show up! And bring a friend.
September 23rd — 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the Rock Hill Main Library
September 30th — 9:30-11:00 a.m. at The Mercantile, 2nd Floor
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