A Space for Storytelling

Wednesday night, I caught day three of the Democratic National Convention. It’s entirely remote this year, because of the pandemic, and the organizers that put it together are extraordinary storytellers.

It’s a really powerful way to connect: storytelling, especially if it’s done well.

And the DNC has done it well…very, very well.

Telling the story of ordinary Americans and how they are just trying to make it through, just trying to make this country better, and just trying to do the right thing.

And there were also musicians and actors and politicians, obviously. Bigger names. Former Presidents, prominent Republicans and a twelve-year-old climate activist.

But I was so moved by the articulation of this crowd. Democrats are a rowdy bunch. We don’t fit nicely into a clean and easy-to-wrap package.

Nope.

We’re different genders and races and ethnicities. We’re colorful and messy. Some shout. Some sing. Some whisper. Some don’t speak at all.

When Gabby Giffords stood in front of the American flag, dressed in all white (a shout-out to the Suffragists), and spoke her truth, I cried. Her words were halting, and her left side still doesn’t work after being shot in the head.

And yet…there she was. Bright-eyed, forceful, passionate, beautiful in her radiant strength.

Stunning!

And then President Obama spoke. Sharply dressed, graying hair, and deep wrinkles around his eyes. This orator drew us in with his story, one so personal that you couldn’t help but sit on the edge of your seat, breathe drawn.

More tears from me as I let his message wash over me. It was dire and perspective-changing.

Don’t just sit on the sidelines. His words echoed the late, great, John Lewis. Do something. Say something. Vote. Make your voice heard.

Even today, I’m still pondering it all.

The DNC allowed citizens of this country to speak, articulately and passionately. They reminded us all that democracy is messy. These times are messy, and terrifying.

And yet…maybe there is a possibility for something better. 

I really do believe that the greatness of humanity is bigger than all of this.

If woman can be shot in the head, and in less than ten years walk to a podium and clearly articulate why we should vote. If a black man can rise higher than racism and hate and become President. And if a man who has lost a wife, daughter, and son can still have so much love in his heart and still have faith, I do believe that anything is possible.

What do you think? What story will you tell?