LOH #244: Going Beyond the Call of Duty

Hello, lovely Ladies of Hive! 💖 I’m @wanderelle, and I'm so excited to share with you my entry for this week's contest! For this entry, I'm diving into Question 2: "Tell me about a female character in a movie or book that inspired you, and the message she left you with."

When I thought about a female character who truly resonated with me, Detective Raymond from the Netflix movie "Straw" immediately came to mind. She's not just another police officer; her approach to her work, and to people, left a powerful impression on me.

[Image Source](https://screenrant.com/straw-movie-cast-character-guide/)

What stands out about Detective Raymond is her incredible blend of bravery and kindness. Janiyah's life (the main character), after a series of truly unfortunate events, lead her committing an armed robbery almost by accident. While other agents might have focused solely on tactical procedures, Detective Raymond bravely took the lead in the negotiation talks, aiming to free the hostages. She didn't just demand compliance; she showed genuine empathy, which is why Janiyah trusted her and chose to communicate with her directly, rather than other agents. Detective Raymond understood that Janiyah didn't truly want her hostages involved, seeing beyond the immediate crime to the desperation that fueled it. This deep connection ultimately proved crucial: it was Detective Raymond's compassionate approach that led to Janiyah submitting herself peacefully, demonstrating that Janiyah was not a bad person at heart, but someone driven by circumstances.

Detective Raymond's character left me with a profound and simple message that I try to carry with me everyday: Stand for the truth and always be kind.

Her actions are just a reminder that we never truly know what battles someone else is fighting. It's too easy to judge a person solely by a single action, like Janiyah's robbery, or by their immediate circumstances. Detective Raymond exemplifies looking beyond the surface. Her compassion, in seeking out Janiyah's full story and understanding her struggles, highlights how empathy can make a real difference, even in challenging situations. If not for Detective Raymond's actions, Janiyah might have died violently, perceived as a criminal, with her real side never known.

[Image Source](https://collider.com/straw-review-netflix-tyler-perry-taraji-p-henson/)

Beyond that, the movie showcased a powerful example of "girl power". It was the black women in the story, including Detective Raymond, who truly stepped up to help Janiyah. This solidarity, this willingness of women to support and understand another woman in crisis, deeply inspired me. She teaches us to be brave enough to offer understanding, even when others might only see guilt, and to remember the strength that comes from women lifting each other up.

Thank you for reading my entry! 💖 Have you watched this movie as well? I'd love to hear thoughts ✨

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Elle

She is someone with a big imagination and spends her free time chasing new adventures. She shares stories inspired by her love for travel, food, and furry companions. Writing doesn’t come easily to her, not because she lacks ideas, but because her thoughts often run faster than her words. Her storytelling is a mix of lighthearted tales and personal insights, written with the hope of connecting with curious, kindred spirits. With a camera in hand and curiosity in her heart, she documents the little things that make life vibrant, even if her photography is still a work in progress.

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