In this chapter, I was struck by Charleston's point that in order to bring light to the world, we need to have faith in ourselves. We need to believe in the value of the gifts and insights that we have to share. Acknowledging that other voices have made us feel inadequate, Charleston imagines the Spirit saying to each of us, “Come out with me. Work with me. Create with me…. We need you. We need what only you have. We want to hear what you have discovered, what you know, what you think.”
Earlier this week, a student commented on what the author of our textbook calls the "Introspection Myth," the incorrect assumption that we should have complete thoughts in our head before we express them. "Most of the time," our author asserts, "people work out what they think in the process of thinking it." My student found that observation helpful. I do too. And it reminds me of what Charleston says. If we hold space for each other, allow people the opportunity to share what they have, and value the sometimes tentative process of that sharing, people will see that what they have to offer is meaningful, important, and unique. But sometimes people can't see that before they share. They see it in the sharing.
I am a person who thinks, then over thinks, then writes their thoughts, and then finally shares what they are thinking with others. I like Charleston's thought that we "work out what they think in the process of thinking it." I need to have more confidence in voice. What I have to say and add to a conversation is important. I also have to have faith in others and not assume that they are judging my every word.
The book has so many lessons to learn. I believe if I reread these chapter 6 months from now it would teach me different lessons than it is today.
I am one of those people. I find myself thinking aloud. I often wish I could type fast enough to put all those thoughts on paper, so I can reread them and perhaps see the"light".