He-Said-She-Said, No Way: Yes Way! – He Said | Broken Words – She Said

No Way: Yes Way! – He Said

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 NIV

Words…we all have them. They clang off the walls of our minds, linking themselves together like strands of DNA to create an idea, movement, or story. Words have the power to change: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” to liberate: “I have a dream…” and to create life: “Honey, let’s make a baby.”

I live in a world of words and “No” is the word I hear most often. “No” is an instructor suggesting I need more knowledge. “No” is the knot I cling to when I’m at the end of my rope. “No” is the rusty knob I grasp when the door of opportunity demands a shove.

“No” is a word that inspired me to become a writer.

“I’d like to say yes, but honestly, son, I don’t see anything in your transcripts that lead me to believe you can graduate from this university.”

I sat in the admissions office of North Carolina State. Within a few weeks I would graduate from Millbrook High School and though I’d been accepted into another college, I already considered State my alma mater—even though I couldn’t spell “Alba Matter.” Now I sat in a cramped office hoping for a chance to pursue my dream.

“Please, isn’t there some department that needs more students?” I asked.

Sighing, the admissions officer examined my folder again. “We have a few spots available in Industrial Arts, but I don’t see anything in your records to indicate you’re even qualified for that.”

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