What You’ve Heard About Me Is Wrong

This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I believe communication is the only way to clear the air and keep things honest.

The following are thoughts I’ve carried regarding Vocal Media and the Facebook group Vocal + Assist. Some of what I share may be frank, but it comes from a place of sincerity.

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First, I want to affirm who I am. At my core, I am a good and honest person. I love myself, I love those around me—whether in person or online—and I love God.

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I believe in unconditional love and forgiveness. That begins with myself. I face my mistakes, I pray for forgiveness, and I let go of burdens instead of carrying them endlessly. I am not afraid to confront myself, and I am not afraid to apologize when it’s needed.

Forgiveness also extends outward. Often, when someone feels wronged, both sides have contributed to the tension. I choose to forgive, even when it’s difficult, because forgiveness allows growth. Accountability and love go hand in hand.

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I also want to make my values clear.

• I believe in equality and inclusion. I support the LGBTQ+ community fully and unconditionally.

• I believe in respect across all races and cultures.

• I believe in honesty and integrity. I stand against lies and false accusations, and I choose to build trust through truth.

My commitment is to treat people with dignity and to love them for who they are, not for who I want them to be.

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Leadership has been a journey for me. When I first started Vocal + Assist, I carried habits from my corporate background, where I managed large teams and had to make quick, decisive calls. That style was efficient, but it could feel blunt or pushy.

Over time, I realized that community leadership requires a different approach. It’s not about being cutthroat—it’s about being collaborative, affirming, and patient. I’ve learned from my mistakes. Today, the Vocal + Assist admin team runs smoothly, and we work together with mutual respect.

I acknowledge that my earlier style may have come across as too forceful. For that, I have apologized, and I continue to grow. The lesson I carry forward is that leadership is not only about results—it’s about relationships.

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Generosity, accountability, and forgiveness are the values I stand on. I don’t believe in tearing others down. I believe in building bridges, even when misunderstandings arise.

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Now, I want to address reciprocal reading on Vocal.

Life is very demanding for me right now. Living a “24/7” schedule is not easy, and anyone who has experienced it understands what I mean.

Because of my commitments, I don’t have the same time I once had to write or to read. There was a period when I published three or four pieces each week and read fifty or more stories.

These days, I usually publish one story a week. When it comes to reciprocal reading, I do my best to honor those who read my work. If you read my weekly story, I will repay that support with at least one read of yours, and I always comment thoughtfully on what I read.

Sometimes I go further and read stories from writers who haven’t read mine that week, simply because I enjoy discovering new voices. But because my time is limited, I focus mainly on reciprocating with those who regularly engage with my work. Please don’t take it personally if I haven’t read your stories lately—it’s not about lack of appreciation, only about balance and time.

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I want to end by saying that my door is always open. I welcome open conversation with anyone who feels I may have wronged them, anyone who has a question, or anyone who simply wants to share what’s on their mind.

I am here to listen. I will not judge, and my feelings will not be hurt by honest discourse.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for understanding.

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With Sincerity, RHC ✝️