This Week's Thank You: To Those Who Share

People share for a number of reasons. They are paid to share. They have a perspective no one else has. They want to keep in touch with a fellow group of thinkers. They need a place to organize their ideas.

They share to give a voice to their thoughts. What they may not realize is that they are giving a voice to other's thoughts as well.

I've loved words for as long as I can remember. I love seeing letters evolve into words that in turn create ideas. And yet, I've found myself without words recently. I find that when I want to talk about violence, about hate, about disparity, I have to rely on other's words. Their words help me make sense of the questions and the fear that haven't yet formed words in my head.

Blogs from educators, Twitter feeds from administrators and Instagram posts from friends who talk about action through kindness, explanations through understanding, recognition of problems without blame. These are the voices that cut through the immediate outrage and the finger pointing that is natural when hate become tangible. These are the voices that help me process my own questions and my own fear. These are the voices that provide a few of the words that I can add to my own, so I can explain to my mixed-race son what I'm feeling. These are the voices that help me understand my son's questions and fears that he has but doesn't want his mother to worry about.

I wanted to take a moment to thank the people who have found their words. The people who have found their voices. And who are brave enough to share them. You help others find their own voices.

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