Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. That was the sentiment I was left with after viewing a recent reality show (surprise) where a couple of tough choices from a well-known cast mate were criticized by some, applauded by others and ripped to threads and back by a few on the show and social media alike. Like a cum laude, charm school graduate, the southern-belle declared her declarations about how she was going to proceed and proceeded. I’m not one to comment on or question the motives of her actions or reactions because I’ve not been a part of the actions sparking the reactions. If anything, as an outsider literally looking in, all I need to do is pray. (In other words, it’s none of my bees-wax.) What I will say is, 42 years have taught me that sometimes the unpopular, uncomfortable or misunderstood stance is one we have to take.

There are choices in life that we choose that others may not understand. That’s okay. There are things we decide to do that often we don’t even understand. That too is okay. Choosing to stay in a career when the pay you receive pales in comparison to the effort your put forth can be a tough call to make, but when you know what you’re supposed to be doing and why, sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Choosing to end a social association or business partnership, not because of drama, he said/she said, or anything Lifetime TV-worthy, but simply because it’s time can too be a tough call to make, but when you’ve come to accept and appreciate it and all involved for who they once were and can maturely move forward sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Choosing to stay in a relationship or not return to a relationship when, to the world, it would appear that the opposite would be the answer can be a tough call to make, but when you heed to the voice of the Lord (meaning He is the one who is clearly telling you to stay or to go), you accept that sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Making choices as parents regarding rearing children, determining your academic path that goes against generational trends, choosing not to seek revenge, seeking to save instead of spend, taking time away to focus on you, throwing yourself into focusing on another, opting for medical measures to take charge of your health, and the list goes on can all be tough, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

Making any choice can be tough, especially when it goes against the grain of expectation (even our own). I think back to the reality show starlet and the choices that lie ahead for her. We don’t know that she will stick to her guns on what she’s saying at this point. I’m well aware of the fact that choices, like clothes, often change based on the season. But what I do know is that each of us, while not in her shoes, have had, or will have a day where we have to strap on our stilettos or clean off our Cole Haan’s and do what we have to do… understood, accepted or agreed upon or not. (Then clutch our pearls, darlins’ and pray it’ll be okay…LOL!)

@AngelaMMoore316