Ok, so you encounter a problem or a situation that stops you in your tracks. What do you do? Our natural human instincts immediately tell us to either stand and fight or take flight.

If we choose to take flight some may say that it's fear. This could be true, but it's not always the case. Sometimes you truly have to take that Underground Railroad to resolve that problem or situation.

TheUnderground Railroad

When you hear Underground Railroad you immediately think about slavery. You probably envision a rugged Harriet Tubman with a rifle pointing north and people looking like they were dragged through the mud standing behind her. It is so much more than that. The Underground Railroad stands as one of the most remarkable examples of collaboration, courage, and human kindness in history. This covert network of secret routes, safe houses, and brave individuals helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the 19th century. At its heart lies a powerful lesson about the importance of asking for and accepting help—a universal truth that transcends time and place. It was a network of sources that were in place to help with the journey. The moral of the story is if you want change, you can’t do it alone you will need help with the journey.

The Courage to Ask for Help

For the enslaved individuals seeking freedom, asking for help was not just a personal risk but often a matter of life and death. Every knock on a stranger’s door or whisper to a sympathetic ear carried the potential for betrayal, capture, or worse. Yet, their courage in seeking assistance underscores the strength it takes to admit that you cannot achieve a goal alone. This is a lesson that resonates in our lives today.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Whether facing personal struggles, professional challenges, or social injustices, the ability to seek support can transform seemingly insurmountable obstacles into opportunities for growth and change.

The Generosity of Accepting Help

Equally important was the willingness of allies—both free Black individuals and white abolitionists—to offer assistance, often at great personal peril. Conductors like Harriet Tubman risked their lives repeatedly to guide others to freedom, while stationmasters provided food, shelter, and resources to those in need. Their actions remind us that accepting help is as much an act of bravery as offering it.

Accepting help can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially when it comes to the weight of vulnerability. Yet, the Underground Railroad teaches us that community and interdependence are vital. By allowing others to assist, we forge connections that enable collective resilience and strength

Lessons for Today

In a world where individualism is often celebrated, the story of the Underground Railroad challenges us to rethink our attitudes toward asking for and offering help. Here are some takeaways:

1. Recognize Shared Humanity: The Underground Railroad thrived on the shared belief in freedom and dignity for all. In our own lives, acknowledging our shared humanity can help us build supportive networks and foster empathy.

2. Take Risks for What Matters: Whether you are seeking or providing help, both actions require courage. The risks may not always be as dire as those faced during the Underground Railroad, but they are no less meaningful in creating change.

3. Build Trust: Trust was the foundation of the Underground Railroad. Similarly, nurturing trust in our relationships and communities allows us to both seek and offer help more effectively.

4. Embrace Vulnerability: Accepting help means admitting that you cannot do it alone—a humbling but empowering realization. It’s a reminder that strength comes not from independence but from collaboration.

5. Be an Ally: Just as conductors and stationmasters stood in solidarity with those seeking freedom, we can stand with others in their time of need. Small acts of kindness can create ripples that lead to profound change.

Conclusion

Asking for help does not mean you have failed, asking for help is the bravest move. Asking for assistance not because you are weak but because you want to remain strong. Those slaves who took the Underground Railroad to freedom are true heroes. Where would they be today if they had not decided to make a change and accept the help to do it? The legacy of the Underground Railroad is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together to ask for and offer help. It’s a story of resilience, trust, and humanity that continues to inspire us to this day. By embracing these lessons, we can navigate our challenges and contribute to a world where no one is afraid to knock on the door for help—and no one hesitates to open it.

The Right Word at the Right Time: A Custom-Made Jewel

Imagine a perfectly crafted piece of jewelry that complements its wearer so impeccably it seems designed just for them. Now think of words similarly: precise, meaningful, and tailored for the moment. The adage "The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry" beautifully illustrates the power of language to uplift, inspire, and connect.

Words as Precious Jewels
Just as every gemstone has unique qualities—color, clarity, and cut—

each word carries its weight and nuance. Using the right word immediately

transforms a simple message into something memorable. For example,

when a friend is feeling down, the phrase "I believe in you" can be as comforting

as a warm embrace. It's not just about speaking;

it's about choosing words that resonate deeply and reflect the listener’s emotional state.

Timing Is Everything
In jewelry design, timing is crucial. A ring gifted on an anniversary or a necklace

passed down as an heirloom carries emotional significance because of its timing.

Similarly, a well-placed word has the power to diffuse tension, seal a deal, or inspire a crowd.

Consider the power of a heartfelt "thank you" expressed at the end of a challenging project.

At that moment, the gratitude feels earned and genuine, making it much more impactful.

Crafting Words with Care
Creating the perfect piece of jewelry requires skill and intentionality.

The same applies to choosing the right words. Crafting meaningful communication involves:

Understanding Your Audience: Know the emotional state, preferences, and needs of your listener.

Being Authentic: Genuine words carry more weight. Avoid overcomplicating your message.

Listening Actively: The best communicators listen more than they speak, ensuring their

words are both relevant and thoughtful.

The Transformative Power of Language
The beauty of language lies in its ability to transform moments. A single word of

encouragement can shift someone’s perspective. A simple acknowledgment can make

someone feel seen and valued. Like a custom-made jewel, the right word becomes a

treasure—something remembered and cherished long after it is spoken.

Words That Endure
Jewelry often becomes a family heirloom, passed down through generations.

Similarly, the impact of words can be enduring. Think of the speeches that have

shaped history or the personal advice that has guided lives. Words, when chosen wisely,

leave a lasting legacy.

Conclusion
The statement "The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry"

reminds us of the immense power of thoughtful communication. Whether offering

comfort, praise, or guidance, the words we choose have the potential to enrich

lives and create connections. So, as you navigate your conversations, remember:

your words are jewels—choose them with care, and they will shine brightly

in the moments that matter most.

Going through what we think are insurmountable hurdles

 When I think of a hurdle, I envision a runner sprinting around a track and jumping hurdle after hurdle with ease. A non-athletic person would probably look at each of those hurdles on the field as insurmountable hurdles, I know I would.  Hurdling is the act of running and jumping over an obstacle and landing on both feet and balancing your forward motion after you land. The key for each runner is to be able to land and get back into spring motion ready for the next hurdle.  

We all have had what we thought were insurmountable hurdles in life. However, when we look back, we see that we did make it over. However, how was the landing?  Did you land in a spring motion? Hurdling techniques comes with a lot of practice.  I am almost certain nobody gets it right immediately. 

 

The message here is really not the hurdle itself.  The goal is for the athletic to land and keep the forward motion in check for the next hurdle.  Hurdles in life are inevitable, but doable. 

When you come upon what you think is an insurmountable hurdle, Just remember it’s not about the hurdle itself, it’s about how you land and your forward motion.  

Check out the spring motion

The Underground Railroad, are you still using it?

Ok so you encounter a problem or a situation that stops you in your tracks.  What do you do? Our natural human instincts immediately tell us to either stand and fight or take flight.  We either stand and take it on or we get the “Ham sandwich” out of dodge. If we choose to take flight some may say that its fear. Which could be true, but its not always the case.  Sometimes you truly have to take that Underground Railroad to resolve that problem or situation. 

When you hear Underground Railroad you immediately think about slavery.  In your head You probably have a vision  of a rugged Harriet Tubman with a rifle pointing north and people looking like they were dragged through the mud standing behind her.  The Underground Railroad was so much more than that.  It was a network of sources that was in place to help with the journey.  The moral of the story is “you can’t do it alone” sometimes you have to ask for help.  Because, as I stated earlier you just got to get the ham sandwich out of dodge, or in other words you have to make a change and you will need help with the journey.

Asking for help does not mean you have failed, asking for help is the bravest move you can make. Asking for help not because you are weak but because you want to remain strong.  Those slaves that took the underground railroad to freedom are truly heroes.   What would America look like today If those brave souls had not decided to get out of dodge and make a change and accepting the help to do it.

Don’t be afraid to take the Underground Railroad when problems and situation arise. Ask for help and accept the help, be it from a friend, relative, or a stranger. 

Check out this video it will totally change your perspective!