Mmmmm, this is quite a touchy subject. There have been a few moments lately when I have felt my hackles rise but true to the new me have breathed. Before responding. Also to be honest, the response might be seen in a very defensive light, and that is not intended. I am referring to the ignorant, misrepresented, without knowledge or understanding, generalised comments always levelled at South Africans who have apparently fled to Australia. I am over it. You don’t know me, or us. I do not need to explain myself to you or anyone else. But, my biggest failing in life is a need for fair representation for all, fair treatment for all. Failing because I always feel the need to speak up, I simply cannot let it be. So, don’t judge and don’t misrepresent and don’t hide behind your own fear. The fear that makes you ignorant and judgemental of others. The fear that makes you need to justify your own actions and denigrate others. The fear that makes you need to feel better than others. Because you are not. Nobody is. You may still be there but does that mean you are contributing to positive change. To a better future for all. No matter the colour of your skin. What difference are you making? We took up an opportunity. To make a difference. To our children lives and to the lives of those we left behind. And to those who suffer at the hands of prejudice. Yes, we sponsor families, we support and contribute what we can to Africa financially, we care. But the important bit, is the bit we are doing for our world. For a hopeful future. By bringing up children who are tolerant, who see equality in all, who are kind, who are charitable, who share, who believe in taking responsibility for their own actions, who believe in love, who do not judge, who do not believe anyone should be celebrated or punished for others misdeeds but that we should all look to the future and be the change we so desperately crave. For humanity. And that we would do no matter where we are. How about you?
grace and dignity
a life to be grateful for
grace and dignity 
Cheers! x
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Leanne Angel Braithwaite, Janine Daniels and 6 others like this.
Samantha Yates Schroeder Well done… Beautifully said.. X
May 23 at 11:42am via mobile · like · 1
Kerry Solomon Ah Lianne, you have chosen an emotive subject indeed! In short this is what I am learning – there are very few people who will react to people leaving SA in a non biased manner. I also find those who have left SA can be pretty judgmental on those who choose to stay. In my experience the judgment often works both ways. Instead of saying “that’s your path and this is mine and I’m ok with it” people feel the need to justify what they’ve done, or haven’t done, and they often need to put others down in order to do it. I say this, if you are happy with where you are and what you are doing, happy with the difference you are making and how you are contributing, you will not ever need to attack another person’s choices nor say anything negative about where they have chosen to live. It’s only when you’re not entirely happy that denigration of others becomes a necessary component. If only we could all just live and let live… Now there’s a contribution to positive change that we should all be making!
May 23 at 11:43am · like · 2
Lianne Cawood Quite Kerry. Although sometimes, just sometimes, something needs to be said. And I knew it was touchy, and I didn’t want to be seen as defensive nor judging of others choices, … my sentiment is exactly yours, live and let live, but please lets do it with compassion, kindness, love, acceptance and above all a sense of oneness. We are in this together. I cannot sit idly by as people choices are ones that harbour hatred and aggression and entitlement yet profess otherwise and mock others… how much does kindness cost? And yes, it will change our world.
May 23 at 12:39pm · Like · 2
Kerry Solomon So well put Lianne! And yes, I agree, sometimes something needs to be said! Thank you for saying it…
May 23 at 1:02pm · Unlike · 1
Jo-Ann Adams Lianne Cawood.. Can you be our next Governor general???♥
May 23 at 1:32pm · Like · 1
Jennifer Montgomery Spotts You rock, Cawood. 🙂 xoxo
May 23 at 2:54pm · like · 2
Lianne Cawood Jo-Ann, you made me snort with laughter and Jennifer, you made me smile. Thank you both. xx
May 23 at 4:37pm · Like · 1
Ange Nixon Well said and I agree with Jo-Ann Adams!!!!!! x
May 23 at 5:09pm · Like · 1
Sandi Unite Well said Lianne
May 24 at 12:55am · Like