Originally I had a much different post in mind for this week. But the events in Uvalde, Texas are weighing heavily on me this evening so I’ll beg your forgiveness for a brief diversion.
When I started this blog, the mission I had in mind was quite simple: make the intangible work of advocacy just a little more understandable to the average person. By pulling back the curtain and sharing my own experiences from the political world, I hope to make meaningful, effective advocacy achievable for anyone and everyone.
The catalyst was pretty straightforward. In the summer of 2020, I was as frustrated as others that our communities were being pulled apart – divided by opportunists from every camp who were seeking to capitalize on the pain being expressed through the Black Lives Matter protests.
The frustration of that time – at least for me – was watching a powerful moment slip through the fingers of would-be world changers. At a singular point in time, when we could have seriously advanced criminal justice reform, community policing and countless other issues, we witnessed that moment squandered in community after community. Of course there were some token exceptions along the way, but by and large, the status quo remained.
Most folks would place me right of center on the political spectrum. So it would likely be a surprise to many to hear that I was interested in finding a way forward on those issues. I understand that surprise. But even more so, I was interested in helping the people seeking to drive change own that process for themselves. I felt so helpless to do that – until I started creating my own content here.
After Tuesday’s news from Texas, there are a lot of people searching for answers to incredibly difficult questions. There are also countless people looking to simply pick a fight, score cheap points, and maybe gain a bit of fame along the way. I want to challenge you to pursue a third route.
If writing on this blog weekly has taught me anything, it’s that you cannot create something like this from any other motivation than genuine love. You have to love the process. You have to love the mission. You have to love the people you’re looking to serve. Anything short of that type of love will never get you off the ground.
Creating this content has helped me serve some people along the way. I’ve pulled back that curtain, and helped some folks better understand just how they can take that next step into being a better advocate. But the work of content creation has also spurred new friendships, and new opportunities to push myself and learn new skills. As much as I started off seeking a way to empower others, I’ve found myself empowered along the way as well.
If you’re struggling with just what to do after a tragic event, I urge you to find a way to create.
In moments when you feel helpless, and pushed against your limit, make something positive to share with the world. I know that seems tone deaf on the surface to some. But it WILL give you the ability to put some good back into the world. And for those of us removed from the immediate impact of recent events, it’s a starting point.
At the end of the day, each of us can only control what we can control. We have no say over our time left in the world, only how we will use what’s given. Choosing to create something of service to a higher, more just cause will propel you in ways you could never imagine before you try it.
As you wrestle with your own perception of the tragedy in Texas, I genuinely hope it serves as a catalyst for you to do just that – to try creating. As the stoics remind us: memento mori. Remember that you must die. But choosing to create something to benefit the world is an incredible way to live along the way.
Part of the Possible 
Well said!
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