The New Year had just barely begun and my inbox was overflowing with messages from my adoring but depressed fans. Each was requesting from me words of wisdom, moral support, my views on a myriad of topics, as well as, the solicitation of my personal opinions regarding their pressing personal problems.
In the final analysis, discovered that the “bull” that had resided in their lives throughout 2012 had followed them into 2013.
Why?
Instead of them looking through their “windshield” and discovering a beautiful mosaic garden brimming with unlimited and achievable possibilities, they had resumed life looking through their “rearview” mirror which reflected a cornucopia of stumbles, crashes, near misses, failed attempts, and false starts.
I recoiled.
Instead of radiating a phenomenal attitude—-one overflowing with thoughts of aspiration, fresh perspectives, and coupled with monumental determination; they wanted me to partake in their marathon self-pity parties, recite from their hymnal of negativity, and then participate in their inertia.
I resisted.
Instead of remembering that we are the by-product of indefatigable ancestral heroes who constantly demonstrated that they were the “Undisputed Heavyweight Champions” when it came to day-to-day survival, they chose to languish, rehash, and recycle a litany of unresolved issues, nuisances, and generational curses.
I refused.
Instead of using the principles of Kwanzaa to serve as a launching pad to showcase their ingenuity by spearheading, developing, and executing goals, strategic initiatives, business plans, and other enrichment strategies and opportunities that could yield untold successes, their preferred response was to make friends with fear (false evidence appearing real) and repeat the insanity of just wanting “three hots and a damn cot!”
I rebuked.
Instead of readily accepting a booster shot of resilience, each wanted me to provide them with home-made remedies consisting of instantaneous quick fixes and magic potions to justify their reluctance and slovenliness.
I reacted.
No stranger to struggle, years ago I had given “birth” to a healthy dose of self-esteem after reading a powerful inspirational passage. Upon self-examination, found myself quickly recalibrating the pitiful opinions that I had manufactured about myself. Resurfaced and replaced those feelings of inadequacy that had taken root in my mind’s eye.
Boy, had I arrived!
Went on a scavenger hunt! Inhaled hundreds of motivational books and tapes, spent “kumbaya” time with industrious role models and awe-inspiring thought leaders, attended empowerment workshops, traveled America discovering the “awesomeness” of God, recharged my spiritual life, and then feverishly set upon a path of recovery, redemption, and renewal.
Rewired, emerged a self-assured woman! Realized public enemy number one was my “stinking thinking” which directly correlated to the proportion of my willingness to succeed or fail.
Consequently…
Miserable people—–gone! Miserable situations—–vamoose! Miserable thinking—–outta here!
Resulted in being alone.
Didn’t matter anymore!
Got some 2012 contaminates? Rid them NOW in favor of birthing your inspiring thoughts which are bound to catapult you towards the actualization of your dreams in 2013 and beyond!
Need a push? Allow me to gift you with the incredible passage that was responsible for the resuscitation of my self-esteem and for the rehabilitation of my “victim thinking.”
As Bishop T. D. Jakes always says—-“Get ready.”
The passage reads:
Why Did You Make Me Black, Lord?…
Lord … Why did you make me black?
Why did you make someone
the world would hold back?
Black is the color of dirty clothes,
of grimy hands and feet…
Black is the color of darkness,
of tired beaten streets…
Why did you give me thick lips,
a broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did you create someone
who receives the hated stare?
Black is the color of the bruised eye
when someone gets hurt…
Black is the color of darkness,
black is the color of dirt.
Why is my bone structure so thick,
my hips and cheeks so high?
Why are my eyes brown,
and not the color of the sky?
Why do people think I’m useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do people see my skin
and think I should be abused?
Lord, I just don’t understand…
What is it about my skin?
Why is it some people want to hate me
and not know the person within?
Black is what people are “Labeled”
when others want to keep them away…
Black is the color of shadows cast…
Black is the end of the day.
Lord you know my own people mistreat me,
and you know this just ain’t right…
They don’t like my hair, they don’t like my
skin, as they say I’m too dark or too light!
Lord, don’t you think
it’s time to make a change?
Why don’t you redo creation
and make everyone the same?
GOD’s Reply:
Why did I make you black?
Why did I make you black?
I made you in the color of coal
from which beautiful diamonds are formed…
I made you in the color of oil,
the black gold which keeps people warm.
Your color is the same as the rich dark soil
that grows the food you need…
Your color is the same as the black stallion and
panther, Oh what majestic creatures indeed!
All colors of the heavenly rainbow
can be found throughout every nation…
When all these colors are blended,
you become my greatest creation!
Your hair is the texture of lamb’s wool,
such a beautiful creature is he…
I am the shepherd who watches them,
I will ALWAYS watch over thee!
You are the color of the midnight sky,
I put star glitter in your eyes…
There’s a beautiful smile hidden behind your pain…
That’s why your cheeks are so high!
You are the color of dark clouds
from the hurricanes I create in September…
I made your lips so full and thick,
so when you kiss…they will remember!
Your stature is strong,
your bone structure thick to withstand the
burden of time…
The reflection you see in the mirror,
that image that looks back, that is MINE!
So get off your knees,
look in the mirror and tell me what you see?
I didn’t make you in the image of darkness…
I made you in the image of ME!
Author Unknown
I responded!
nice work
Hello Nikki: You made me so proud today by letting me know how much you enjoyed this article. Thank you!
Andrea
I love it! Thanks for writing this article and sharing Bishop T. D. Jakes’ poem
Hello Jaqkey: As you know, you have been a good friend to me for nearly three decades. It goes without saying, but thanks for reading my articles and for your support. Always enjoy our “rap sessions” which includes honesty without fear of expression. Wish that more people could be “authentic like us (lol)
Correction: Bishop Jakes is not the writer of the poem.
Meanwhile, thanks for the memories that we have created over the years. You are the best!
Andrea