I was out earlier today and couldn't help but notice a family in my midst...well, I guess you can still call it a familial situation as I didn't see a male figure among a young mother and two adolescent children a tow. This brings me to the point I want to make here: where are the formidable men that were part of the village that raised me? What does it take for accountability to be part of the solution that would eliminate symptoms that seem to elude the normalcy of our community? Single mothers and strong black women are often the bread winners and are acting as both mom and pop in at least 40% of households in the inner city. That's an extremely high number. To do what's needed to account for merited acclaim is our dominion as men and certainly for the sole purpose of finally making the type of decisions that should have been made all along in lieu of procrastination. Yes, we have work to do! 

Human nature will have us at times with our backs against the wall where decisions are made for dramatic intent. Intended purposes vary with different individuals where it may affect those that are not equipped to deal with success…or failure. Effective decision-making for some does not come easy, especially when put in position for it to be viable and legit. Then there are those that possess a flair for the dramatic and ego gets in the way. More often than not, people have problems getting the job done under adverse conditions when and where it counts most. The purpose of this essay is all about what needs to be done to show different colors for painting a true picture of rising to the occasion. It’s all about giving analogies and application for self-esteem, and taking initiatives that can be beneficial to worthiness. 

As a child growing up in South Florida watching my single mom act both as mother and father, it never dawned on me at that time the sacrifices she endured. In those days times were no harder than they are today where perseverance continue to be the difference between success and failure. Times may differ but the circumstances are the same. My mom was incredible then, and still exudes fortitude today! Times were hard, but she worked two jobs, were able to finish school, raised seven children – all of this without a helpmate. She used due diligence and defied the law of averages that often relegate Black females in a unique class. This ‘class’ I speak of has everything to do with how our women of color has always shown against all odds finding ways to rise to the occasion. It’s par for their putting each foot forward to get the job done. This should be the norm for everyone so affected, my mother notwithstanding. Countless other mothers, sisters, aunties, nieces, and grandmothers all have had the wherewithal to give it to us when we needed it most. The problem is, there should be more rising to the occasion – whatever it may be. Adversity has no limits, nor are you limitless in making a difference in your life or in someone else’s. 

A friend of mine sent me a beautiful analogy depicting figures in the Bible showing individual trials and tribulation dealing with difficult situations, and in the process showing yeoman efforts to do what is needed for accountability. In our daily grind to live a wholesome life, spiritual guidelines that should be in place sometimes go awry, and are misplaced among the inequity that permeates around us. How are we to excel and triumph when adversity is steadily fueling Satan’s workshop? What does it take to take the necessary steps to initiate a chance to rise to any occasion that would be viable for success? First and foremost, I would like to think that it would start with looking in the mirror – taking an honest look at inventorying yourself for an inward look at what you may, or may not be doing to keep you from thinking positive. How are you living? What are the Biblical influences needed to be relinquished or retained for change being everlasting? The three Hebrew boys in the lions den did not waver; Gideon initially showed doubt when God gave him a directive, so did Moses; nor did Daniel, Paul, Job, and Esther falter when given the chance to make a difference. Doubt can surely be replaced with reinforced ideals to propel a weak mind. God says you are more, not less. 

My closing statements give more credence to the belief that everything starts and stops with YOU. Low self-esteem commences early in life when false and negative influences are allowed to feed our children unbalanced doctrines. Grownups too, face this malady, they tend to hinder more than help. I’ve always felt that the cure is to stop relying on what you or other people say abut you. Instead, endeavor to discover the truth about God and the things that he envisions for you to be in your growth. Planting seeds for positive growth has more to do with one being in position to rise to the occasion. You do it with obedience, making good choices, humbling yourself, and respecting authority. Those are the applications. The next step knows to what degree the affects of such initiative will evoke. I readily think of good character, an image where impressionable fortitude is at the forefront, and a much better person at dealing with overcoming who you were to become who you are! Rising to the occasion may also give one ideas to employ all of what has been viewed within this essay to know that there’s ways to being assertive and confident. As people of color we need this in our Diaspora to balance the scales for parity. Rising to the occasion should not be hard if you have the confidence to know that God has your back and will not fail you if you believe that all things are possible through Him.