Umoja: Belief as a Source of Strength, Not Control

Your beliefs—whether they come from religion, personal values, or life experiences—are yours. They shape who you are and guide how you move through the world. We all have beliefs that mean the world to us. 

But here’s the truth: what motivates me might not resonate with someone else, and that’s okay. What’s not okay is using my beliefs to judge, control, or dismiss others.

Imposing your beliefs on someone else is not only disrespectful—it’s a boundary violation. 🚩

The Power of Boundaries

Respecting boundaries isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about building trust. Survivors of violence often have had their boundaries violated in profound ways. To push your beliefs on someone else sends the message that their perspective isn’t valid. 

The great Audre Lorde once said, “Without community, there is no liberation.” 

I have long resisted calls to come together as a community or to unify just to drive the numbers up. Leave me to my peace if you have no interest in listening.

Community doesn’t mean sameness—it means coming together in mutual respect and shared purpose.

All of us come to the world with different beliefs and perspectives. That’s what makes us human. The challenge—and the beauty—is learning to work together in ways that honor those differences.

Let’s remember the wisdom of the Swahili proverb: “Umoja ni nguvu; utengano ni udhaifu”—“Unity is strength; division is weakness.”

However, unity without humility or alignment with a greater moral or spiritual purpose benefitting all group members can lead to destructive outcomes. Misaligned priorities can and usually does lead to division and chaos.

In 2025, Let’s keep building bridges, and respecting boundaries so we can accomplish the work that matters most.

Together, when we respect each other’s boundaries and focus on our shared humanity, we create something powerful.