Sitting on the back porch with my grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen, was like attending a master class in life. She imparted wisdom to her three sons, three daughters,16 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 38 great-great- grandchildren, seven great-great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and bonus family members.
With her simple, Bible-based logic, Big Mama’s playbooks were customized for each of us, and one of her favorite sayings was, “You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.”
This saying, which means it is impossible to achieve something without there being bad or unpleasant side-effects, has roots that stretch back through history. The Yale Book of Quotations documents “You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs,” from Robert Louis Stevenson in 1897.
Even earlier, in 1859, T. P. Thompson wrote: “We are walking upon eggs and … the omelet will not be made without the breaking of some.” Big Mama’s wisdom resonates today as we observe the recent guilty verdict in the case of Donald Trump.
This event can be seen as one of those “broken egg” moments. The legal proceedings and the subsequent verdict have undoubtedly caused turbulence and divisiveness, much like the breaking of eggs in the process of making an omelet.
However, this is a necessary step in the pursuit of justice and accountability.
The guilty verdict and impending sentencing of a former president are unprecedented in American history. It’s a stark reminder that achieving something significant, such as upholding the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of the political process, often comes with unavoidable negative consequences.
This mirrors the original intent of the saying: to get something important done, problems and disruptions are inevitable. In the political arena, this verdict has stirred strong emotions and reactions from various segments of society. Some see it as a long-overdue reckoning, while others view it as a politically motivated action.
Yet, in the broader perspective, this event underscores the principle that no one is above the law and that the pursuit of justice can sometimes be fraught with challenges and discomfort.
Big Mama’s teachings remind us that while the process may be messy and difficult, the end result is what truly matters. Whether it’s making an omelet or ensuring justice is served, the breaking of eggs is an essential part of achieving a greater good.
This principle is timeless and universal, resonating as much in our personal lives asit does in the complex world of politics.
In conclusion, as we navigate through the aftermath of the Trump verdict, it’s essential to remember Big Mama’s wisdom. The path to important achievements is rarely smooth, and the unpleasant side- effects are part of the process.
Just as she taught us from her back porch, sometimes you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet, the outcome can be worth the challenges faced along the way.
Terry Allen is an NABJ award- winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional and founder of the charity – Vice President at FocusPR, Founder of City Men Cook and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org
