If you haven't heard of Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), he's a fascinating study in American democracy. Hurd is the only black Republican serving in Congress. He represents a district that covers the longest stretch of land covering the U.S./Mexico border and his district is 71 percent Latino. Needless to say, he has some complicated feelings about building a wall with our southern neighbors and says President Trump has never reached out to him to discuss border policy.
And now, he's also decided he's decided to get out of Congress.
Whether you're a Democrat, Republican or fiercely independent, this is a big deal. It's a huge embarrassment for our country that only one black Republican currently serves in the U.S. House and after the 2020 election, that number could very well be zero.
In an announcement on his page, Hurd said he wants to "grow a Republican Party that looks like America," and he knows we have a long way to go:
As the only African American Republican in the House of Representatives and as a Congressman who represents a 71% Latino district, I've taken a conservative message to places that don't often hear it. Folks in these communities believe in order to solve problems we should empower people not the government, help families move up the economic ladder through free markets not socialism and achieve and maintain peace by being nice with nice guys and tough with tough guys. These Republican ideals resonate with people who don't think they identify with the Republican Party. Every American should feel they have a home in our party.
Again, even if you disagree with those ideals, they are well within the bounds of normal political debate in America and are ideas that resonate half or more of all Americans. That's not the problem. The real problem is that proponents of those ideals rarely look or sound like our increasingly diverse electorate and often don't even make an effort to connect with Americans outside the homogenous block of center-right, white Americans who increasingly fill the ranks of the Republican Party.
It's sad that Hurd thinks he can do a better job of addressing this problem outside of the federal government. It's even sadder that his party is losing their sole African American member in the House.
Putting ideology aside, it's vital for all of us as Americans to have a diverse elected body of leaders that looks like, sounds like, and listens to the problems of the people they are voted to represent. A more representative democracy is good for everyone and more vital than ever.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.