By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
The Words He Gives
Mommy Musings 07-12-23
th

These words may not be for everyone and that’s okay. As I share time and time again, the beauty of a column space is not everyone has to agree or like it.

As time goes by I’m coming to realize the volume of how those words might be interpreted. Case in point, I was recently called out by a reader for using the word “tribe” in this very column space. The accusations and direct attacks which followed won’t get any more space than what I’ve just given. The sad reality is we now live in such a hypersensitive world that as journalists it’s making our job plain hard.

I know the intentions and the context of the words I use. Sadly we now live in a world where people think they can actually tell you what you meant and when they do so, you are to back down and apologize. Not this girl.

My language and how I choose to use it and in which context will not be dictated by others or readers. I’m grateful to be backed by an editor who, while not as straightforward in print, is supportive when posed with the “can you believe this?” by her firecracker veteran.

Truth be told I’m actually not insensitive in any way, quite the opposite if truth be told. Yet I tend to look at things more globally and give deep thought to the way in which our world is turning. Simply put … there’s just too much going on by way of feelings, anxiety and people walking on egg shells from fear of offending. Once upon a time we used to truly listen to one another and not dissect everything another said to spin it into something more.

This is quite a hard right, to what I’ve intended for this space, but a good lead in all the same.

Last week in this very space I stepped out a bit and penned some heartfelt words on a community member lost too soon.

The way a column comes to me is funny. Not funny ha, ha, but funny in a way that sometimes I just can’t explain it. That was last week’s column.

From the moment I heard of John Fauria’s passing many of those words started to fill my brain. Even more crazy, I wasn’t at a keyboard. I was on the freeway enroute to pick up my daughter at the airport, but as I drove the words just kept flooding.

So I slept on it and consulted with a friend the following day. I mean how could I pen a piece about a community member’s passing before the family even had time to put together a proper obituary? I struggled, second guessed and struggled some more.

That same friend offered words which were both complimentary and encouraging as I shared my fear of upsetting the family or even the community.

So I wrote it.

Now here’s the part which some of you may want to turn from and that’s okay. Last week’s column however is the perfect opportunity for me to finally be transparent and share the secret of how I continuously find such words.

For those unaware, I do not possess a journalism degree. Prior to working for The Leader I had zero writing experience. Aside from essays in high school and college I had never penned anything that went to print. I have a Merchandise/Marketing Degree and an impressive background in fashion … and then I came to Oakdale.

I share this because, well I think it’s important for people to know there is no proper training for what I do. Quite honestly I don’t even understand it. Yet years ago I finally came to accept that I didn’t need a piece of paper or years of a specific background to feel accomplished in this business and the reason comes down to one word: God.

This became more apparent than ever last week as so many reached out to offer kind words about my piece on John. Judging by the response of those who knew him, were close to him and his family, I got it right. Awesome!

Yet it made me uncomfortable to some degree and here’s why; nine times out of ten I don’t know where these columns are going to lead. The piece about John is a perfect example. Typically speaking words just start mulling in my head, which makes me nervous because it’s never when I’m actually on my laptop and God forbid I might forget them.

And then it all takes shape. How that happens is honestly the God part. I rarely know what’s going to come or how it will conclude. Honestly. I simply open my laptop, create the document and somehow it all takes shape, from the heart and through the fingers – that’s God.

Once that final sentence is formed, I send it straight to our editor. I never re-read my work. Just like an actor who refuses to watch themselves, as a perfectionist I recognize if I read it before I sent it, I’d be stuck for days.

My work is organic and in case you’ve missed what I’ve shared above, I take no credit for that. It all goes back to God.

So, God showed up last Monday and as I honestly struggled with how it might read, so many of you have helped me know we did okay.

This is where I say thank you. Thank you to those who reached out acknowledging as well as confirming God gave me the right words. Glory be to Him.

It’s not easy sitting in this seat. Living in a world of those who think they can do better, critiquing our work, word choice or content. Be it my tenure or faith, I’m really unsure.

What I know for sure is much of that no longer gets to me. Because in the words of Mother Teresa: “Do good. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. In the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”

 

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.