Make A Statement

I’m a firm believer in making a statement.  You can see that when you walk into my home.  My décor is simple, but I have chandeliers EVERYWHERE!  They’re all small, but they bling and provide just the special touch that I want.  You can see it when I use my liquid eyeliner.  Cat eyes anyone?  But my love for making a statement was most recently reflected in the circle of people that surround me.  I’m talking about my community.

People say that birds of a feather flock together.  I have found that to be true quite often, but it’s not always the case.  When I think of how kind my community has been to me recently, I find myself hoping and wishing that I’m as dope as I believe they are.

When I say community, I’m not talking about the people in my neighborhood.  I’m speaking of the community of my family and the many friends that have come into my life over the years.  They are my community.  They are my people.  And they have shown up for me in numerous ways since COVID-19 made its arrival.

I have been unemployed for five weeks and have another two weeks of unemployment in front of me.  My job will reassess the situation at that point and let us know.  Many people’s first response is that the unemployment relief for contract workers was passed, so I’ll be fine.  Unfortunately, passing a bill and receiving what was promised are two separate factors.  No one was anticipating this, and there are lots of kinks to be worked out.  With all that being said, I’ve gone for the longest in my adult life without receiving income and it’s unsettling.

Sleeping has always come naturally to me.  I don’t have to long for it or wait on it, but this week has been different.  I have had to battle with sleep.  I’ve had to find peace in breathing deeply and reassuring myself that I’m okay.  I’ve even had to cry just a little to get it out and remind myself that God is bigger than anything.  But I’ve also had an awesome community that has stepped in to make their own statement.

One friend sent me a box full of eleven beautifully wrapped gifts a couple of weeks ago.  Her only request was that I open only gift everyday until they were all gone.  She didn’t want anything from me.  She just wanted to put a smile on my face and give me something to look forward.  And that did the trick!  She put so much thought into every item.  I couldn’t help but be thankful and appreciative for the way that she chose to love on me.

Others have been consistent in checking on my well-being.  I’m the queen of not being okay yet saying that I am okay.  It’s second nature for me, and they know that.  They don’t accept my short responses and are mindful to dig deeper.  They keep me engaged and accountable.  They make a statement by letting me know that they love, and they care.

And others have offered to meet needs.  I’m a firm believer in figuring it out and going it on my own.  They remind me that I need community.  They reassure me that there is no shame in having a hard time.  Now if only I could find a way to be more gracious and just accept the help.  Listen, I’m a work in progress, but my community has been making a statement.

They have assured me that I’m loved and cared for.  They have displayed such kind consideration.  And I’ll forever be grateful for them.  This season is teaching me that I need my community.  What statement are you making in your community?  Are others grateful to be part of your circle or do they want to be voted off at the next tribal council on Survivor?  Make the right statement.  #wepreach