We are taught from day one that there are some things beyond our control. Some powers we cannot attempt to confront. Some problems not worth taking on. A hurricane has powers so magnificent, so terrifying, and so incomprehensible. But what I've learned from my years on the Gulf Coast is that there is a power so incredible that it makes hurricanes fall to their knees. It’s the power of our hands. It’s a power that’s in each one of you; a power we are all born with. With the power of my hands I accomplished so much this week. We can use our hands to rebuild. This week I tapped and mudded drywall. We can use our hands to start growth. This week I planted trees. We can use our hands to tell our stories. This week I wrote in Stu’s blog. I really discovered my power as I was reflecting in writing at the end of the day. When I write, I’m holding hands with every author I've ever read. I take the stories they’ve told to help me tell mine. With these many hands of authors, I felt empowered, knowing that I moved people to tears, and realizing the stunning beauty of everything we can accomplish together.
The greatest crime is not realizing the power of joined hands. Sometimes we forget that we are better together. We all have too much in common to waste our time finding our differences, or turning our hands to harm each other. Because when we’re up against a hurricane, we need all the hands we can get. When our economy plummets, we need all the hands we can get. Because the future is always uncertain, we need all the hands we can get.
To the people who've held my hand throughout the years, I thank you. Dayle, thank you for being such a strong person. Andrea, thank you for having an unbreakable spirit. Jay I've always wanted to thank you for being a teacher in every sense of the word. Stu, thanks for believing in me, and for the record, I believe in you too.
Remember to hold the hands of the people in your life. Because with joined hands, we can conquer forces unimaginable.
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