The Rebel in Me continued

The opportunity never came to tell Mrs. Kilby my opinion about her. But, my sister and I led our own personal revolt and refused to participate in her class program where she gave us the roles of Zulu warriors. My mom flat out said, "No way, no how!" and with smiles on our faces, we told Mrs. Kilby, we wouldn't be participating. She turned red and announced to the class that "it was too bad that the twins have decided not to be a part of the program". The other kids actually looked like they were in awe of our stance. Instead, we read books while the others danced in pretend loin cloths.

I loved being identical to my sister but there was this thrill of doing something different too. So, in high school, I decided to be gutsy and join the Speech Club. I didn't realize that that meant preparing and memorizing a 7 minute speech to share in front of the whole student body. This wasn't typical behavior for me...the shy, four eyed girl who often had bad hair days. But, not only did I accomplish it but went on to win third place in a speech contest.

I continued to challenge myself. I took voice lessons, jazz dance lessons and eventually had my hair cut in a short, curly cut. I began to speak up when something was wrong. I had a voice!

There were some major issues boiling over in one of the churches that my then husband and I attended. The pastor made a racial comment and I went to him and demanded he tell me where his info came from the Bible. He told me never to question the pastor. I told him, "If I can't question a racist statement from the pastor, then I refuse to continue attending your church." I walked out and never went back, although my then husband continued for months until he too, saw what I was saying all along.

My biggest push was to break rules as long as I wasn't breaking laws. Drinking alcohol in the denomination I was raised in was a no no but, I challenged anyone to tell me where it said that drinking alcohol was a sin. Even today, I will not hide my wine in the back of a cupboard or the fridge. I don't get drunk or over do it....because it's in the excess that leads to sinful nature.

My next rebellion came when I filed for divorce after my husband had cheated. I grew tired of hearing how God hates divorce. I knew in my heart that we had gone through counseling. We took into consideration that we had children. But, I KNEW that he wasn't going to change. I refused to be a doormat to his unfaithfulness.

My biggest rebellion has been to not change for anyone. I no longer need anyone to make excuses for me for not being the right size or shape or color. I am who I am. Ain't nobody gonna change my mood!

PS--I found Ms. Attitude recently. She always has a smile on her face and seems to be doing very well. I don't think she even realizes how she inspired me but maybe one of these days, I'll let her know.