This blog post is going to be short and empowering. Earlier in the week, someone unlawfully entered the home we have resided in since arriving in Accra in the early morning hours. The individual entered into two of the rooms in which our ladies slept in. Luckily, our graduate assistant was still awake and noticed someone trying to enter her room. To make a long story short, we contacted the owner of the home and the way in which he handled it was lackluster. To a degree, there was only so much he could do. And that was understandable and totally acceptable. The issue that should resonate with everyone in any conflict resolution is to never attack the victim. And that’s exactly what happened to our graduate assistant. Essentially, she was demeaned for being a leader. Her plea for accountability led to her character being attacked. This is not the forum to address particulars, but it is the forum to stress: stand firm in what you know is right. Never allow your word to be diminished because it isn’t plausible to someone else. Never cede leadership qualities that have placed you in an entrusted position to be responsible for the safety of others. Regardless of what is said or how unfavorable a response may be, never stop being you. If no one else has given you that empowerment, consider it done right now. We need more individuals to stand firm in their conviction rather than folding to unwarranted criticism. In no way is this post meant to demean any party involved in the unfortunate situation our ladies had to endure. It is meant to show people that we need more understanding and less criticism, especially when someone is visibly shaken by what has transpired. Be strong in the face of adversity. More people are standing underneath you as support than there are trying to remove you from that foundation.