I Have Clapped Loudly for People Who Remain Silent for Me

By Latasha McGill

Some articles are easier to write than others. Not because I can’t tell the story, but because the story isn’t always comfortable to tell. When my second youngest daughter was a little girl, I would often tell her that people don’t have the heart she has. (I still tell her that until this day, and she’s 21 now.) I never imagined that I would find myself saying that very thing to my inner self.

I love to see people winning in life. It hurts me to see others hurting, especially women, and more than that, especially Black women. Because I know how it feels to have pain so unbearable until you are just grateful to get one foot out of bed and on the floor. I know how it feels to be betrayed, broken, bruised, and bewildered. So, when I see people happy and receiving their blessings, I want to celebrate with them and help them tell the world what God has done for them.

Recently, I was promoted, and I shared my happy news online. I received many good wishes, kind words, beautiful sentiments, and positive affirmations. It was wonderful to see so many people happy for me. However, what was disheartening was those who said nothing. Absolutely not a word. Now, I know some of you will read this and will have various opinions that will range from “forget them, to keep it moving.” And, truthfully, I get it. However, when you know you have clapped loudly for others’ achievements, accomplishments, and good news, it takes you aback that those people have nothing to say when it’s your turn.

It will never bother me to celebrate another woman. Whether we are a part of one another’s circle or not, Black women as a collective are a tribe. We should be the first to celebrate and clap for our sisters when it’s their season. And, for the most part, we do. However, I still see a lot of pettiness as well. Some would much rather question whether or not a sister is happy, dissect the photo she posted or the number of photos she posted than give a sincere compliment and wish that sister well. I’m not sure if it’s a spirit of jealousy or some other reason, but whatever it is, it’s not healthy. If I sound as though I’m “in my feelings,” that’s fine. Perhaps I am because we as Black women need to advocate, celebrate, support and uplift one another. We have enough outside forces fighting against us.

Although people are sometimes silent when it’s our turn, they are actually speaking. What their silence is saying is hard for us to hear, but we need to know where we stand. Some of us have been and still are friends to people who give us associate and acquaintance energy.

Ladies, if this is your season, keep smiling, shining, glowing, and growing. I celebrate with you. I am happy for you. I know without knowing that you’ve been through a lot and deserve to be where you are. If those you thought should be celebrating with you, and they are not, it’s okay. Celebrate yourself and offer no apologies. You deserve to take your wins in public after all the losses you endured in private.

#Wholepersonhealthy

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Latasha McGill is a Contributing Writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC. Tasha Mac is a mom of four adult daughters, a vegan,  and a workout junkie who lives by the mantra Whole Person Healthy. It is her journey of total wellness in all areas of life. She enjoys encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring people to discover their own journey of total wellness and seek wholeness and freedom every day. Her favorite guilty pleasure is veggie chips with hummus or guacamole.