I used to think that surrendering was a bad thing
But the older I get
The more I realize
Throwing in the towel is a sign of strength
A sign of maturity
A sign of self-worth
Because not every battle deserves to be fought
Not everything deserves your attention
Allowing someone to “win” a meaningless battle
Is not a loss
Realizing and understanding
That your blood, sweat and tears
Don’t deserve to be at every battle
Even at battles you have previously shown up to
That does not mean that you have to show up again
Surrendering is a gift
A gift that many will not understand
A gift that frees your mind
A gift that does not always need understanding
Because you don’t have to win every battle to win the war
For if you are going to carry the many battle wounds that life will give you
You always want to make sure that the battle was meaningful
The battle had purpose
The battle showed you a side of you that you didn’t even know existed
Otherwise
Surrender
Surrender to the ones who continue to fight the nonsense
Surrender to the ones who lack understanding
Surrender to the ones who don’t know the true meaning of war
For throwing in the towel is a gift
For peace of mind is priceless
Allow your growth to be endless and throw in the towel
I surrender
Lacresha Dowdy is a graduate of Clinton High School, Piedmont Technical College, and Claflin University in Orangeburg. Since December, 2009, she has been the City of Clinton Municipal Court clerk of court, and also is a Community Relations Specialist with the city and President of the Clinton Rotary Club.
