The Truth Isn’t Trendy, But It’s Still the Truth

In the past few weeks, one thing has stood out to me more than anything else: how easily people ignore the truth. Not because the truth is hard to find, but because it’s inconvenient. It’s not flashy, it doesn’t always go viral, and it doesn’t always suit the narrative people want to hear.

Let’s take a recent example. A popular rapper, known for raunchy, explicit lyrics, won a gospel music award. The reaction from the religious community was swift and fierce. Many felt disrespected, believing that her win was a slap in the face to traditional gospel artists. They accused BET of staging an intentional provocation, painting it as an attack on sacred values.

But here’s the truth, and it’s one that many don’t want to hear.

The same people who vote on the hip-hop categories are the same people who vote on the gospel categories. Often, these are casual viewers or fans who vote based on the only name they recognize. In this case, that name was Kirk Franklin, who collaborated with this rapper on the winning song. Kirk Franklin has won multiple times, not because he’s always released the best or most impactful gospel record, but because his name carries weight. That’s how name recognition works.

Now here’s the more profound truth: the rapper who won isn’t as far removed from the gospel community as critics would like to believe. She’s a preacher’s kid. She has a foundation in the church. Her life may have taken a different turn, but the seeds of faith were planted early. Whether people want to acknowledge it or not, that matters. And this collaboration with Kirk Franklin might be more layered and intentional than people give it credit for.

However, the truth isn’t trending; outrage is.

People are no longer as drawn to the truth. They’re drawn to drama, division, and controversy because it’s more entertaining than sitting with facts. That’s the world we’re in right now, a culture that prefers viral myths over verifiable truth.

Here’s another unpopular truth: when you use marijuana daily, your cognitive performance is not on par with those who don’t. You don’t retain information as well. Your judgment becomes impaired. Your emotional regulation drops. That’s not a personal opinion. That’s a scientific and medical fact.

Yet the myth that marijuana boosts productivity, unlocks creativity, or enhances your personality persists. Why? Because the truth gets labeled as boring. It gets dismissed as judgmental or old-fashioned. But if you’ve ever worked with someone high on the job every day, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The truth doesn’t care how offended we are; it’s still the truth.

And this isn’t limited to entertainment or lifestyle. Let’s talk about politics.

The political divide in this country has become a game of emotional ping-pong. People scream at each other across party lines, convinced their anger will change the world. It won’t. The myth is that yelling louder or being more "right" than the other side will move the needle.

It won’t.

What changes the world? Focus. Strategy. Financial intelligence. Execution.

Here’s a little history lesson. Back in the 1980s, while Americans were furiously divided over a controversial president, something else was happening: a quiet financial revolution. While most people were arguing, a small group of focused individuals were investing, acquiring real estate, starting companies, and building wealth.

Today, those same people, along with their children, are reaping the rewards of generational financial decisions made in the background while the masses were distracted by political theater.

It’s still happening now.

While social media is ablaze with arguments and hashtags, the people at the top, on both sides of the political spectrum, are quietly making money, positioning themselves, and setting up their families for the next 50 years. They understand something most people don’t:

The world runs on money. Not emotion.

That’s the truth.

The myth is that social media activism and endless outrage create meaningful change. But the real movers and shakers are working behind the scenes, unemotional, calculating, and strategic.

So, where does that leave us?

If you want to live a purposeful life and build something real, lasting, and meaningful, you must develop the ability to see through the noise. You must be willing to accept the truth even when it’s not convenient, especially when it’s not convenient.

You must be willing to:

·       Turn down the volume on emotional noise.

·       Stay committed to your goals.

·       Make decisions based on facts, not feelings.

·       Avoid distractions that do nothing to advance your life.

·       Understand that truth is the foundation of real success.

Yes, the truth is often quiet. It won’t always trend. But it will always hold up.

So, as for me, I’ve made a decision. I’m not living my life based on who’s shouting the loudest or what’s most popular this week. I’m moving based on principle, performance, and purpose.

And that means accepting the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Because success isn’t built on noise, it’s built on clarity.

Keep growing,