We have more in common than we are divided on. Today’s world message, and especially here at home, will have you believe that if you are one political affiliation over another, there is no common ground between you. That is simply untrue.
Over the past few weeks, I have engaged in several conversations with so many people on varying topics. People of all different backgrounds. These talks ranged from health issues to religion to system racism and everything in between. I spoke with spoke male and female, of all racial backgrounds and sexual orientations. Every discussion was deeply insightful.
I walked away with an understanding that the commonalities that we all shared in each interaction had bonded us and healed us in a way that was unexpected when we began talking. What I found was what began as casual moments in time, provided lifetime gems that we would carry with us for the rest of our life.
In my shared experience on my health issues, I had several calls. The goal was to provide awareness to one and check in on another. In both, we learned more about our concerns by opening up and were able to discuss not only physical solutions, but we also dove into deeper issues like mental anxieties and stressors. We found time to laugh and see the joy in our lives and it helped to know we were not alone.
For the past nine months I have been working with seven amazing individuals on systemic racism issues not just affecting us in the workplace but also how it affects us in our every day lives. We have discussed history, past traditions, our own experiences and came up with a strategy on what we could do to make it better for us and those around us. Yesterday, our hard work paid off. That doesn’t happen however if we didn’t take the time to share our stories and mull through our common experiences and what plagues our community.
The point is our stories are important to share. You ever see an autobiography and wonder, “why did THAT person write a book”? They had a story to tell. We all have a story to tell. You just have to be brave enough to share it. Now, everyone doesn’t need to write a book. There are people in your circle or in your community who are going through similar situations like yours and can benefit from some of the knowledge you have. However, minute it seems it you, you can literally save a person’s life.
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death overall in the world and the second among young people aged 10-34. Talking to someone is something we can do for free. Most people feel as if they are alone and isolated and that no one understands how they feel. There is nothing new under the sun. Someone shares in how you feel, and it is likely that someone you know experienced it or can connect you with someone.
As a young adult, my best friend and I had these business cards made up. No real business, just cards. I never question God’s purpose for me and looking at those cards (I still have a few) I laugh because I see he always had a plan for I was destined to be. The cards read Bad Bitches, Inc. “We Know Sht! BBIC (If we don’t know, we know someone who does!). Then it had a lightbulb and our email addresses. Both email addresses are still active. The truth is, there are resources out there. I have a great circle of unbelievable knowledge. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! IF YOU ARE GOING THROUGH IT, WE ARE GOING THROUGH IT!
Stay blessed, stay safe and most of all, stay connected!
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