Are you an Outlaw?

**** This is not a typical post...***

Outlaw
1. a person who has broken the law, especially one who remains at large or is a fugitive.

synonyms: fugitive, (wanted) criminal, public enemy, outcast, exile, pariah; More
historicala person deprived of the benefit and protection of the law.

In my daily life, I follow the rules. I live up to the "social norm" I grew up with. I try to be a "good" person. I volunteer. I work. I am typically a good wife (come on, we all have a moment where we're not at our best). Also typically a good step-mom, too. I try to be a considerate person. I hope I'm a good friend. I am most critical of myself. I know where my full potential lies and when I fall short, I have no one but myself to blame. I don't accept the part of a victim in any area of my life. 

There comes a point where you need to challenge the "norm". I've felt that tug on my heart more and more lately. Remaining silent on topics seen in the news every day. Trying to remain neutral in conversation with those that don't share my views, even when they aren't as neutral in their conversation. I look at my 15 year old entering High School and pray for her safety. not because of gun violence but because of the types of questions she has to answer on a daily basis. I have even apologized for the world she is growing up in. She is facing turmoils I never gave a passing thought to at her age. I'm not sure where the turn on the path was made for society, but it was made. 

It makes me think back to a time when our country fought against itself. It's sounding too familiar these days and I keep hearing "history repeats itself" over and over in my mind. I know there is going to come a time when each of us has to take a stand for what we believe. 

My questions for you (and mostly myself) are:

• Do you have what it takes to be an outlaw? 
• Do you have enough fire and passion to stand up for what you believe in even if it isn't the easy path? 
• What will it take for you to say "that's enough!"? 
• Are you willing to put aside your fears and commit to a cause? 

All of those questions are really for me. I don't know if I can answer them, either. I don't know if I'm willing to sacrifice friendships and open myself to scrutiny and judgment. The mere thought makes my head shake and I hear myself sigh. I'm not sure if I'm strong enough to be an "outlaw" in today's world. But, I'm feeling the tug... and until people stand strong for what's right, the world will continue to spin out of control.  It's time to stop screaming for respect and remember respect is earned. You can't gain equality by oppressing the opposing side. Violence, in any form, is never the answer. 

My final thought is this... are times really so much worse or is it that we are so much more connected? Are mountains really made out of a mole hills due to the escalation of those not physically present and affected? It's easy to fly into a frenzy when you are only given one side of the story. Take time and evaluate. Take a breath. Rationalize. Contemplate a plan that resolves. Don't throw gasoline on the fire and then question why it explodes.

Be kind. 

Be humble.

Be forgiving.

We need outlaws as described in this song. I hope I can be that kind of outlaw.