Too often, businesses, nonprofits and institutions claim to serve the people, impact the families and uplift the communities and for some reason our communities are okay with this. No accountability, no reasoning, no followup, just happy with the status quo.

......"Love many, trust few, paddle your own canoe." Back then, it felt cryptic, But those Saturday mornings in the barbershop gave it clarity.I learned to love many, to honor the wisdom, humor, and stories that filled that space.I learned to trust few, to listen with discernment, because not all loud voices speak truth.And most importantly, I learned to paddle my own canoe, to chart my own course while staying rooted in the lessons from those who came before me.

When the road gets rough, when doubt creeps in, and when loneliness threatens to overwhelm you, remember that storms don’t last forever.