You can stand

by Natalie DeMola

It is better to be hated for who you were created to be than to be loved for who others want you to be. It seems when you stand for what you believe in and don’t waiver with what the majority is doing around you, others despise you for your strength.

Natalie-DeMola-rt-friend-web-300x197, You can stand, Abolition Now!
Natalie DeMola (right) with a friend

When I didn’t stand up for anything and just pleased others, it was less opposition because I was the majority. I came under someone’s controlling authority because I thought that their abuse of power was strength. I thought if I linked up to them, then maybe that false strength would rub off on me.

Truth was, I became more oppressed because I was not being me, and I felt weaker than ever because even though I hated being in bondage within, I was bound by the fear of thinking I wasn’t capable to do or think on my own.

My best friend here, Carde Taylor, once asked me, “What does your fear actually feel like?” I told her that my fear felt like me drowning in a pool and I’m kicking and screaming trying to grab on to anything or anyone to save me.

Then she told me, “If you stop kicking …” I interrupted, and said, I know, I know, I’ll float to the top. She said: “No! You’ll realize that everyone is looking at you because you are only in a 3-foot-deep pool and you can stand to save yourself.

“You only think you are drowning, but you could stand the whole time on your own.” That analogy was so profound. I can stand on my own; I just perceived that my circumstances would overtake me.

Truth was, I became more oppressed because I was not being me, and I felt weaker than ever because even though I hated being in bondage within, I was bound by the fear of thinking I wasn’t capable to do or think on my own.

As I grow within, I realize that I am a very bold and passionate person when I believe in something. Lately, I have been standing for my beliefs and have experienced some opposition that for a second makes me question myself.

Then I realize that I am finally starting to walk into my full potential that I was created to be. It is hard, and fear can come over me from time to time, but I keep pushing forward, because once my fears happen, what else can have a hold on me?

I want to reach out to all who may feel like an outcast or like no one understands you. When you believe in God, Jesus Christ, wanting to live in an environment that upholds your beliefs, wanting to fight for those who have been abused, or even to stand up to injustice, whatever your fight or belief is, you will be ostracized.

I can stand on my own; I just perceived that my circumstances would overtake me.

It will feel like that at first, but when you continue to push through, you will be heard. I don’t want my leaders in this world wherever you are at, to give up and get weary.

When a fire is lit up within you, learn, get your facts, know the pros and cons, and then, when the time is right, speak out. I have seen true leaders speak out prematurely and get shot down. It does not change that they are a leader; they just learn to know when to lead and when to be fed.

Not everyone will agree with you and you may be hated for the purpose you were created to be, but if you were to live to please others, you will end up hating your own life because you compromised yourself. Embrace who you are, and embrace opposition as opportunity to be strengthened.

Send our sister some love and light: Natalie DeMola, X-12907, 512-29-3L, P.O. Box 1508, Chowchilla, CA 93610.