I’m not one who enjoys discussing or listening to discussions about politics. In recent years, the political climate has grown increasingly hostile and has caused many families, friends, associates, and more to become divided over different beliefs, policies, practices, and changes as we all navigate this uncertain world and these uncertain times. As I’ve grown older, I’ve aimed to exercise more wisdom and discretion when it comes to openly aligning myself with any political party or candidate (which is no one else’s business but my own). I get why some people feel the need to be vocal and outspoken about their views and who they’re supporting, but I also recognize the power of moving in silence too. When it comes to politics, we often hear a lot about what people don’t want and what they don’t like, but how often do we think about how we can take what we don’t like to advocate for change? Surely this is something to think about among all the “noise” that’s not benefitting any of us. W
When I was about five years old, I was sitting in the backseat of my dad’s car when me, him, my older cousin (my aunt’s son), and my aunt (my dad’s sister) caught my aunt’s fiancé with another woman. My dad had been driving my aunt out to run some errands since she didn’t have a driver’s license or a car. When she spotted her man with another woman, she told my dad to pull the car over, got out of the car, and immediately addressed him. She wanted the keys back to her apartment and was done with him. The other woman she caught her fiancé with slapped him when she realized what was happening, and that was that. When my aunt returned to the car, she was clearly and understandably upset, and the ride back to her place was quiet. Although I was too young to fully grasp what was happening at the time, I knew it wasn’t good. And now, at 34 years old, I can’t imagine how much pain she was in. Her wedding had been planned and paid for – and she never made it down the aisle. My aunt was a beaut