Choosing Peace While Still Standing for Truth

   

Choosing Peace While Still Standing for Truth

By Dr. Angela K. Chambers

After taking time to pray, reflect, and process my emotions surrounding the Tulsa City Council meeting, I felt led to say something else publicly.

While I wholeheartedly disagree with what transpired and still have concerns regarding the decisions that were made, I also have to accept that God allowed it.

That realization forced me into prayer — not just concerning politics and my community, but concerning my own heart.

I do not want bitterness, anger, disappointment, or frustration to become part of my future.

I do not want hurt to shape my spirit.

And I certainly do not want temporary situations to distract me from the assignment God has placed on my life.

To those who have sent me messages, comments, articles, concerns, questions, encouragement, and opinions — and to those who have seen my posts — I want to sincerely apologize if my words, tone, jokes, or reactions failed to represent who I truly am in Christ.

That matters to me deeply.

In every situation involving leadership, politics, or decision-making, someone will inevitably be disappointed with the outcome. 

That is simply reality.

But now the decision has been made.

The more important question moving forward is: What will be done to affirm that it was the right decision?

How do we move forward productively as a community?

How do we continue building despite disagreements?

How do we ensure that progress still happens?

I do not want to spend another day, week, month, or year fighting battles that are not attached to my destiny or assignment. No matter how emotional, personal, or frustrating situations become, I truly believe God fights our battles.

He sees what we cannot see.

He knows every motive, every conversation, every alliance, every intention, and every heart.

And ultimately, God will have the final say concerning every aspect of our lives.

During prayer, it became very clear to me that I must focus on the things God has actually given me responsibility over — my purpose, my assignment, my platform, my integrity, and my calling.

That does not mean I am backing down. That does not mean I am abandoning truth. That does not mean I suddenly agree with everything that happened.

It simply means I refuse to lose my peace.

I refuse to become consumed by political conflict.

I refuse to allow frustration to transform me into someone I do not recognize spiritually.

I never want to see people bullied, silenced, manipulated, or harmed. But I also do not want to become a bully through my own words or reactions.

I am commissioned to walk in love.

So to anyone hurt or offended by my comments, please accept my sincerest apology.

At the same time, I still believe communities deserve transparency, accountability, fairness, and integrity from leadership. Those values still matter.

But now, instead of remaining emotionally stuck in disappointment, I believe it is time for those passionate about the Kirkpatrick Plan, Greenwood, North Tulsa, and community progress to focus on leveling up beyond this moment.

If one financial decision can shake the entire vision, then perhaps the vision itself must become even stronger.

Our community is bigger than one vote. Bigger than one council meeting. Bigger than one disagreement.

Today, the Biker’s Rally begins in Tulsa. Businesses are open. People are gathering. Life is still moving forward.

And maybe that is part of the lesson: We must keep moving forward too.

There were so many emotions, accusations, discussions, and tensions surrounding this issue that the core concerns sometimes became buried beneath personalities, politics, and pain.

But I believe truth reveals itself over time.

Good or bad. Right or wrong. Hidden or exposed.

Everything eventually comes to light.

And somehow, through it all, God still works things together for good.

So today, I choose peace. I choose wisdom. I choose prayer. I choose purpose. And above all, I choose love.