Buckle Up Tight: Back What’s Right

Perception is an interesting thing. Webster defines it as a but that won’t necessarily make it right in the eyes of some. result of perceiving, an observation, a mental image or At the beginning of this article, I wasn’t sure how I would concept. Let this article be a gentle reminder that what broach this subject. I was confident that it could go several ways. is “right” can be perceived in many ways by many people. The However, no matter where it went and what you perceive it is perception of what is right has been pitting people against each about, I knew exactly where I wanted to end this story about other since the beginning of time. It’s caused confusion, angst, buckling up for a rough ride when you believe and back what anger, wars, division in families, and divorce. Still, I agree you’ll is right. This story is about Grace. This story is about love. This need to buckle up tight because the road to right is often a rough story is about the next chapter, no matter where you are at this and relentless one! How do you measure what is right? moment. No matter if you took the vaccine or did not. No mat-

Over the last year, this country has seen some of its most sig- ter if you voted red or voted blue. No matter if you want to wear nificant divisions. I’m not going to pretend that it is over. We a mask or do not. What’s evident is that we could all use a little can say all day long, let’s move past “this,” whatever that may be Grace and a lot of love. 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 coun- When I look back and think of how the media has covered try) that she was right. She wasn’t the first to resist bus segrega- many of the tragedies in our country the last year, I’m dishearttion. However, those who arrested her for “civil disobedience” ened. Many times, I think the only people who win are those in probably believed that they, too, were right. You see, I think the media. Indeed, not the lives that were forever changed by the we’re entitled to think what we want to think. We just are not spin the media put on any given subject. Let’s face the fact there entitled to act on it. This is the time it has an impact on others. will always be controversy. You can go Red, or you can go Blue That is where the civilized difference lies. simply by changing the channel for your news. I am trying to

When my mother was arrested because they thought she was share that people who want to be right and believe they are right illegal in 1964 in Lufkin, Texas, the officer believed he was right. will find what they need to support their beliefs. Controversial However, his perception of this Hispanic woman with broken or not with news and the internet, you could find something English (following a stroke) and a bad limp was just that, his to support your decision even if it is wrong. Drink a beer afperception. Forget about the two little girls that went with her ter a workout, it’s got what you need to replenish your system. to the station. You read that right, do not pass go, do not collect Carry a stick of butter in your purse to nibble on and you’ll lose 200 dollars! (I borrowed that from Monopoly.) As my sister and weight! Seriously now, come on. I sat on the bench at the station where our feet would swing in Listen, we all need a break. What I believe is that this is the unison, I’m sure my mother knew she was right, and she knew year for Grace. Give someone who is driving you crazy a little her rights. Now, here is where things get strange! Something Grace. They probably really need it. Then give yourself a little can be accurate but not true. Another thing can be your right, Grace for being so irritated that you wish you could drop kick

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that person! We’ve all been through something entirely different and quite impactful. Young people are impacted the most. I read recently that 25% of our population is under 21. This is the age of enjoying birthdays, graduation, or school and school activities like none other. Please give them a little Grace when their grades change or their attitudes stink. Give yourself some Grace because if you’d known you would be a homeschool teacher, you’d have run away. By the way, tell a teacher how much you appreciate her/him; it matters now more than ever.

What I’d like to leave you with is this: I don’t know who arrested my mother, and I don’t hold a grudge. It’s too heavy to carry on this rough road. I’m not perfect, neither are you. I don’t know why Eve had to eat that apple; really, I don’t. However, I’ve forgiven her too. George Floyd was murdered, period. You and I cannot change that. We can, however, offer Grace and love. We can do this with our actions every day in our daily lives. One day, one step at a time. Thank goodness for cameras and cell phones today. This allows millions to bear witness to heinous crimes that can no longer go unnoticed or unpunished. In the next moment, they also allow us to witness amazing behavior from beautiful people. We are a humane society that must do our best to offer Grace to others and Grace to ourselves just as God provides it. I’ve continued to say through the entire Pandemic, #PrayLoveWins because I believe that is right!

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will be at peace.” -Bob Marley

JoAn Majors is a professional speaker and published author. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and the Global Speakers Network. She holds the designation as Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) held by less than 12% of 5,000+ speakers worldwide. It is the highest earned international measure of professional platform competence. She is also a Certified Virtual Presenter. In addition, she has been published in 30 plus newsletters, magazines, and online learning platforms. JoAn is the founder and content creation specialist of The Soft Skills Institute; she delivers keynotes, 3 and 6-hour presentations, and a 2-day deep dive experience in developing the soft skills it takes to create greater connection today in business and life. When not on the road, she functions as the Comprehensive Care Coordinator in their fourth and final practice, MajorSmiles in Bryan, Texas. To learn more or see JoAn in action, visit www.joanmajors.com.