Model Behavior
Austin, TX | ©️ 2025 Alicia Kae Miller
Not long ago, I heard the voice of a wise-cracking once-boyfriend when I saw ducks perched on the banks of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin.
For background, he worked in automobile sales in early adulthood and shared that "people in the market for a new ride were like ducks on a pond." So, if you have been out in wetland areas and heard a duck call, you know where he was coming from. For those who have not experienced this, I dare you to envision a pre-internet Black Friday sale - anywhere.
As I intently watched the diverse bird babes interact, an old English proverb, "Birds of a feather flock together," came to mind. Ruminating on this, I considered that while I may strongly dislike someone I know, I have never hated someone I don't.
Further, blind hate has always seemed so misguided to me. Our subtle and marked differences don't deter me. Most importantly, our contrast is what draws me in. Your experience piques my curiosity, compels my vulnerability, and gives voice to my compassion. As I lean into selflessness, I wholly appreciate our unique journeys.
Speaking of getting up close and personal, I recently attended my first-ever fast-breaking evening Iftar. For my non-Muslim friends, Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the Muslim year, is observed through periodic food and drink fasting, and adherence to Qur'an guidance that encourages followers to draw closer to God and cultivate self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Hmph. As a student of world religions, I find this quite familiar.
It was a privilege to break bread with my gracious hosts, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and exchange prayer practices. Our time together was demystifying and gave me a newfound appreciation for how, like my fine feathered friends intrinsically know, when we allow ourselves to bridge the perceived gap, the distance between "me" and "we" is not so distant.
Until we meet again, recall that you are human, and so am I. ❤️
Yours in Solidarity, -akm
April 2025