Lawton First Assembly

6 spring/summer 2020 While Exploring Acceptance and Value Brandi Sims T he idea of living the sweet life is really a choice. It's a choice to stop worrying about what other people think, to navigate the challenges, and to embrace life as it comes to us – pits and all. It's about exploring, accepting, and valuing the journey each of us is on and then learning about ourselves along that journey. Granted, it isn't always easy. Like many of you, Girlfriends, this is a life lesson I have learned the hard way. "You wouldn't be here if it were not for taking pictures,'' stated a past supervisor. I can hear these words ringing like a bell in my ears, repeating with the same intensity as the first time. As many know, I work in a position that requires me wearing a variety of hats—the communications position. For those who are unfamiliar, communications is a broad term; it highlights industry professionals such as broadcast journalists, public relations specialists, writers, producers and others associated with the media. Over the years, I have had the privilege to work with several innovative brands, organizations and public figures that offered an incredible insight on product/brand development, image management and event planning from the national media perspective. Encouraged, driven and passionate, I left that world to return to my hometown of Lawton-Fort Sill with my recently retired Navy husband, two small children and our family dog, with the hopes that I could use my developed expertise to help improve my community. As a person with a keen interest and background in the communications field, I always understood the power of words, the power of the mouth. I can recall the stories I learned as a young girl in Bible study –– the stories about the weight your words carry and how they can speak life or death. Understanding the impact our words carry has always had a profound interest in my life and greatly impacted why I chose to study this field. I truly wanted to understand the best way to communicate through positive messaging to the masses and influence the behavioral motivations of consumers. Several years ago, I had a work experience that would challenge me to define and explore my value. Several hours before an event was set to start, I found myself assisting a coworker with the event checklist. Name badges? Check. Square reader live? Check. Microphone? Check. As we worked through the list, I was approached by another coworker who complained about my involvement. After a subsequent exchange, she blurted out, "You wouldn't be here if it were not to take pictures." Mind you, I'm not a professional photographer nor was it my responsibility to do so. is person used her power and authority to intimidate and control others through words to achieve her goals on many occasions, and on this day made the decision to target me. Shocked, infuriated and hurt, I shut down my emotions, and pressed on as I had been taught, continuing to work until the event was over. Weeks after the event, I replayed that situation in my mind. An inner voice said, "You are not good enough. You are not worthy enough. You don't belong here." I second-guessed it all, and I wondered whether it had been the best decision to come back to my town. I have experience and education, built invaluable relationships and made business connections—what do you mean

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