By Wanda “Sistah Soldier” Petty, President & CEO, SHE VET, iNC.
It’s 2019, and the 2020 elections are just around the corner. As I prepare to attend the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and learn about current changes or promises presented by congressional representatives, I have to remind myself to listen very carefully. Carefully enough to allow my mind to gaze into the future of our society and at the same time, determine where my voice can make a difference. Not only do I have the responsibility of sharing what’s probable for veterans within their communities, but as a citizen, I’m required to understand my rights and to have the ability to make a difference.
Don’t sit back, watch, listen, and hope that someone will know what you want. We’ll second guess openly presented opportunities and not share our thoughts because we’re counting on someone else to make it happen. Even then we’re still expecting to see a change in a particular area.
I stopped by today to call you out! It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and “sound your voice!” Passive attitudes don’t deliver change. What role are you supposed to play in causing a shift? Step into that role and become the voice. Maybe it’s not the election but a personal goal or situation, or perhaps you’d like to share information with others to help them become knowledgeable? The longer you sit quietly, the longer it will take to shift the direction.
We must take action.
As with anything, if we want to have the outcome we’re hoping for something is required from us. You’ve heard this before, “Faith without works is dead.” For years I misunderstood that phrase. I thought as long as I have faith, “it” will come (whatever “it” is). It couldn’t have been farther from the truth. Having this type of mentality keeps things stagnant because there’s no movement. Faith is an action word! That means we must be in motion. When we’re in motion, rhythm is building up. Imagine a locomotive train. It starts slow then picks up speed. It begins building momentum, and it’s difficult for it to stop. It’s intentionally focused on one thing only, the destination. Sure to reach the goal because the movement is continuous and in the desired direction.
If you recognize something that needs to be addressed by your officials speak up, and if you’re not sure how to get started towards your destination, ask for help. Let’s start somewhere. It’s easy to figure out what you want when you know what you don’t want.
Even if you have various ideas flowing through your mind, write them down. Then see what’s required to make things happen. Can you make it happen on your own? If the answer is yes, then complete one task at a time, and soon you’ll build your momentum. If it requires you to get the attention of someone else, get moving, don’t wait for your candidate to decide for you. Speak up because your voice matters.
Acknowledge that you have a voice and understand the choices available to you. Make a quality decision not to watch your life pass by with someone else deciding your destination. It’s your right to pay attention and command your future.
Sistah Soldier is a career strategist, and inspirational activist who helps veterans, women, and minorities identify and pursue their purpose. She’s the CEO, host, and producer of SHE VET iNSPIRES Television Show. Copyrights Reserved© Sistah Soldier 2019.
