The Apple Tree

Many of us are familiar with the phrase, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”; meaning, a person’s character, beliefs, interests, etc. comes from a parent(s) or influenced by families, communities, cultures and so forth. A familiar statement perhaps; but is it a true statement?

The world consists of doctors who came from a family of doctors; teenage mothers, who were birthed by teenage mothers; alcoholics often raised by alcoholics; musicians who come from a line of family musicians; as well as, racists behavior being passed down from generation to generation. The list is endless; but you get my point. Yes, some instances may be DNA related; however, in some cases it may be how we were raised, what we were taught and/or exposed to in our childhood. Later, we find ourselves where we are today, trying to maneuver through adulthood healthy and safe.

As with any and everything in life, there is good and bad; apples are not excluded. The difference between life and apples, however, is that life is afforded choices. Whereas, an apple, is simply an apple. We can choose a different career. We can choose to become parents after marriage. We can choose to never take one sip of alcohol. We can choose love over hate. These actions are often referred to as, “going against the grain”.

What about you? Are you going against the grain? What type of apple tree are you? Are you proud of your fruit? Look in the mirror and be completely honest and transparent with yourself. In the current state of our world, are you choosing love, over hate? Does Black lives really matter to you? Do apples fall far from the tree?