27 05

WJI 2021, Day 12 PM- Learning Vulnerability

We ended the day with sticky fingers, wire-hanger-turned-s’more-sticks, smoke scented clothing, and voices hoarse from singing and smoke inhalation. Cramming around the brick fire pit, we roasted marshmallows and chatted about the day. A slight drizzle began as we sang a few hymns. As the wind picked up, we leaned toward the fire.

Later, Professor Pitts pulled slips of paper out of a plastic bag from walmart. The papers contained questions ranging from the best piece of marriage advice to favorite stories about reporting during the Iraq War. Pitts shared openly about the lessons he has learned from both success and failure. Embarrassing stories accompanied by a constant stream of laughter concluded the night.

Earlier that day, we scurried to and from our different work rooms with notebooks in hand. I spent most of the afternoon sitting in the newsroom: researching, receiving edits, writing, and rewriting. Others worked on broadcast scripts, filmed standups, and interviewed residents of Northwest Iowa. During dinner, we swapped stories, shared about the latest developments on our different projects, and in some cases, discussed eschatology.

Mindy Belz shared her experiences with cross cultural reporting in our “Meeting Journalists From Around the World” session. I appreciated her vulnerability about overwhelming situations, mistakes she has made, and the way God has stretched her faith along the way.

During each one of these sessions, I have learned so much from each speakers’ openness and honesty. They willingly share their triumphs and mistakes. They laugh at themselves, and encourage us to see failure as an opportunity for growth. Esther Eaton argued that there are two absolute truths about journalism: you must be perfect and you will screw up. We need to take the work seriously, not ourselves

Real growth happens when we humbly admit weaknesses. Vulnerability doesn’t come easy for me. This week and a half has reminded me of the value of acknowledging where I fall short. Christ will display his strength in these areas. Choosing to be vulnerable reminds me that in my weakness, He is strong.

-Addison Michaelian