Buckle Up Tight; Back What’s Right! P
erception is an interesting thing. Webster defines it as a result of perceiving, an observation, a mental image or concept. Let this article be a gentle reminder that what is “right” can be perceived in many ways by many people. The perception of what is right has been pitting people against each other since the beginning of time. It’s caused confusion, angst, anger, wars, division in families, and divorce. Still, I agree you’ll need to buckle up tight because the road to right is often a rough and relentless one! How do you measure what is right? Over the last year, this country has seen some of its most significant divisions. I’m not going to pretend that it is over. We can say all day long, let’s move past “this,” whatever that may be for you. Unfortunately, it’s in those challenging moments that someone believes so strongly in what they think and perceive is right that they are willing to die for it. Soldiers and martyrs alike have been dying for what they perceive as right for years. Yet, someone on the opposing side had those same intentional thoughts and beliefs. I am pretty sure that in 1955 when Rosa Parks refused to vacate her seat on the bus, she believed (as did much of the country) that she was right. She wasn’t the first to resist bus segregation. However, those who arrested her for “civil disobedience” probably believed that they, too, were right. You see, I think we’re entitled to think what we want to think. We just are not entitled to act on it. This is the time it has an impact on others. That is where the civilized difference lies. When my mother was arrested because they thought she was illegal in 1964 in Lufkin, Texas, the officer believed he was right. However, his perception of this Hispanic woman with broken English (following a stroke) and a bad limp was just that, his perception. Forget about the two little girls that went with her to the station. You read that right, do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars! (I borrowed that from Monopoly.) As my sister and I sat on the bench at the station where our feet would swing in unison, I’m sure my mother knew she was right, and she knew her rights. Now, here is where things get strange! Something can be accurate but not true. Another thing can be your right,
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but that won’t necessarily make it right in the eyes of some. At the beginning of this article, I wasn’t sure how I would broach this subject. I was confident that it could go several ways. However, no matter where it went and what you perceive it is about, I knew exactly where I wanted to end this story about buckling up for a rough ride when you believe and back what is right. This story is about Grace. This story is about love. This story is about the next chapter, no matter where you are at this moment. No matter if you took the vaccine or did not. No matter if you voted red or voted blue. No matter if you want to wear a mask or do not. What’s evident is that we could all use a little Grace and a lot of love.
When I look back and think of how the media has covered many of the tragedies in our country the last year, I’m disheartened. Many times, I think the only people who win are those in the media. Indeed, not the lives that were forever changed by the spin the media put on any given subject. Let’s face the fact there will always be controversy. You can go Red, or you can go Blue simply by changing the channel for your news. I am trying to share that people who want to be right and believe they are right will find what they need to support their beliefs. Controversial or not with news and the internet, you could find something to support your decision even if it is wrong. Drink a beer after a workout, it’s got what you need to replenish your system. Carry a stick of butter in your purse to nibble on and you’ll lose weight! Seriously now, come on. Listen, we all need a break. What I believe is that this is the year for Grace. Give someone who is driving you crazy a little Grace. They probably really need it. Then give yourself a little Grace for being so irritated that you wish you could drop kick
