Categories: Hazel Rosetta Smith,
Common rules of life inside and out must be precisely placed, decently and in order, to be on the same footing of understanding. After fair consideration is given to the issues involved in the rule, there should be an opportunity for questions to be discussed before action is taken. A belt or swift takedown is not the wisest solution. Physical abuse or a gun should not be used as the end all when there may be other more appropriate and more rational alternatives available.
There is a rule that most of us were exposed to early in life. No matter the occasion that caused the utterance, most times in anger, we understood the meaning of, “in my house you will do as I say do.”
Whether it is a single-family household, two parents or guardianship setting, most rules are mandated with confidence they would be followed with no ifs, ands, or buts. We were soon exposed to the reality that rules will rule with and without our permission.
Like it or not, rules shall prevail in all areas of life. School rules, church rules, work rules, financial, friendship and marital relationship rules and most importantly the rules of law detrimental to how we function in a world often laced with chaos and confusion.
Rules are tools that can be constructive and destructive in the process of establishing behavior for controlling situations. Rules are created but do not always include the ramifications of disobedience. It is a sure bet the result of breaking the rule will come to fruition soon enough, often when it is least expected. Pay back will be collected in some form or manner, physically, emotionally, or psychologically.
Your experiences are the proof in the pudding of what rules you follow. Hopefully, you learned what not to do. A vague rule can be a setup for deliberate misinterpretation; albeit there are some rules that can be negotiated with respectful debate and conscientious conversation.
Breaking the rule can be ascribed as insubordination or intent to ignore a request or command. Too often we have witnessed the horrific result of a rule of law handed out by those in authority demanding immediate abeyance, without an explanation.
In seeking ways to survive in this troubled world, we must consider what is the most profound lesson to learn. Voices that proclaim “do as I say do” are only proposing their rules and therefore are most often met with obstinance (determined to have their own way) and disrespect.
Wisdom commands that we get to know about the rules that govern our lives so that we will have insight (the ability to see and clearly understand the inner nature of things). Know when to tread carefully. The rule may not be the right thing, but this we know, disobeying the rule can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, and that may be your last thing.
[Hazel Rosetta Smith is a journalist, playwright, and artistic director for Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries and HRS Speaks! Retired former Managing Editor and Woman’s Editor for the New York Beacon News and current columnist for Harlem Community News, Inc. Contact: misshazel@twc.com]
