Across the board, people are hurting. They strain to be heard. Passions are ignited and many are more than vocal about their movement.
My movement began years ago when I became burdened for the muted voices of the parents and caregivers in my community. It was intended to provoke. When presented with - “I’m Not Ok”, one would say, what is that supposed to mean? A perfect set up to to lay it all out and educate. Intentional aim right at the cause. These moments allowed me to validate the weary ones who were too tired to share their voices, as well as undergird new parents just entering into the journey.
When you wear the hat and preach the words, you get to hear and see everything, ugly and all. You get to collect the whole sum of emotion displayed from every direction. Opinions are always across the board. Amongst the crowds, there is the always the supportive, loving cheerleader. At the other end is the disapproving, callous bully. There are lots of bystanders who you are never sure where they stand at all. There are those people who agree with your cause, but do not want to get involved. There are those that support silently. There are those that oppose loudly. There are those who think it is all just bunk.
Whatever your passion is today, let me urge you to remember. Not everyone is going to understand. Many do not even want to. Some will follow. Others fizzle. Those you hoped would, may not take the time to invest. Kick in the gut…many will not even care. That does not mean they never will.
A doctor I once worked with told me, Heather, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. I hated that sentiment, but it is reality. In saying that, my hope is, you receive the message to not be silenced when presented with adversity or fear of failure, but to continue to be squeaky, regardless of whose voices are the loudest.
Empathy and endurance. Advocation and illumination. The fighting forces that must drive us despite who we perceive to be listening.
“Better thinking out loud than suffocating from frustration.
(“The upper lip must never tremble.”)
- Erik Pevernagie