Testimony of Women and Words

by Melissa Uhl Draut

Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash

November 8, 2024

Dear Women Who Write,

Hours after learning of the 2024 presidential election result, I thought of you.

Bearing in mind the statistics that some of you might be happy with the results, then I say, “Good tidings, and please lend me a bit of grace.”

For those like me who feel tears on your soul, please keep writing and please keep sharing your words. We are women with the power of words in common. Sitting in this circle, your words have saved me in the past. I’m counting on them to save me now and in the future.

“Words are our tools of resurrection,” said a father to his daughter in Pip Williams novel The Dictionary of Lost Words.

You, dear women writers, bring people and places and ponderings to life every time you share a story. Your words bring the truth to light. You practice resurrection with every word.

Some of us feel fear at this time in history. Why wouldn’t we?  Women experience bodily fear their whole lives – or at least that’s my take and another story.

Our stories across time connect us and help us be our better selves. Our worries are not unlike the worries of those who have come before us. We are not alone in solving problems of our day. Faith in something greater than ourselves, knowing our history, and sharing our stories can help.

I’m gonna allow myself to be sad for a while. Then I’m gonna try to embrace the most frequently repeated message in Scripture, “Do not be afraid.”

Easier said than done? My strategy is to lean on the community of women writers like you and the circles of people in my life. We are not alone. Please keep writing, come to the circle, and do not be afraid.

Gratefully,

Melissa