By Sophia Pierrelus

While sitting on my bed at 2:40 a.m. this Friday, September 13th, I felt the weight of the challenges I’ve endured, have been exposed to, and have encountered as a community advocate, leader, and activist—roles I believe I’ve been called by many.

However, I see myself as a servant. Serving the community is not just my passion; it is the oxygen that has kept me alive throughout my personal journey over the past four years.

Four years ago, my life shattered before my eyes when I made the decision to walk away from 27 years of marriage. It was the hardest time of my life, especially as I watched my children endure their own pain and struggles. I stayed strong through it all, despite my own silent breakdowns.

In the midst of my emptiness, service was my only refuge. Helping those who felt lost became my reason for living, the only thing that truly made sense. I find my purpose, my reason to live, and my place of peace in service.

It breaks my heart to see us leaders constantly fighting for power when so much more is at stake. With our brothers and sisters facing hardships and losing hope, how can we focus solely on power? Our priority should be solving the real issues at hand.

I know for a fact that leadership is not just about fame but about carrying the daily burden of trying to find solutions—even when you’re unsure of the next step to take and while carrying your own personal battle.

While sitting on my bed, I realized we are distracted by the noise of power-hungry and have lost focus on what truly matters.

To anyone who seeks power or fame, take it, it’s yours. Just allow others who are careless about the power to continue to solve the problems, restore hope, and bring smiles to the people’s faces quietly in the background.

We have lost our way. We claim to stand with one another, but when the fire burns hottest, we disappear. How can you abandon the ship when it feels like it’s about to sink? We must do better. We must understand our purpose and call; and stay committed to it in order to be truly productive. My only joy and purpose are to remove challenges and bring happiness to one family at a time in the background if it is God’s will!

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