I Could Be…
Living on the street with no roof over my head and no where to turn…
I could be completely unable to feed myself and my child with NO clue of source for the next meal…
I could be someone who came from a hopeless family whose specialized skill was telling me all that I COULDN’T be…
I could be someone who didn’t know how to dream…
I could be someone who’s never actually realized many of those dreams…
I could be unskilled and uneducated with no means of supporting myself alternatively while the realization of my dreams are in development…
I could be suffering from a debilitating disease that prevents me from carrying out all that I dream and am capable of in my life…
I could be someone who didn’t realize the power of love, sisterhood and friendships…
I could be someone who had no one to turn to, to inspire me, to sustain me or keep me grounded…
I could not have my beautiful child to remind me of why I have to keep going…even when I want to give up…
Because, you see, I am…Human and, but for the grace of God…
Like everyone else, there are often times where I feel discouraged, broken, inadequate and unsuccessful. I’ve had a few “reach up to touch rock bottom” experiences in my day; one a few weeks ago in fact. I have enough shares of tears, fears, bills, bad days and “if you only knew…” stock in my arsenal to warrant and fund a scientific study. Yes, I could go ALL the way there – but doing so has never profited me much…
Let’s shift focus to what I DO have…
Today, I’m reminded that despite some of my personal circumstances and obstacles, things could be much worse than they are. The reality is that the sum of my life has indeed been incredible! I have a career doing what I love. I’ve performed in front of MILLIONS over the span of my career with some individual crowds reaching farther than I’m able to physically see. I’ve met many of the people most dream of meeting. I’ve experienced what its like to have a bit more money left after my bills to spare to get that new gadget, purse or Tiffany & Co bracelet (wink) I desired. I’ve traveled ALL of the habitable world – TWICE even. I’ve sat, worked, dined, laughed, played & cried with and along side famous, popular, inspiring, successful &
wealthy persons – professionals who reside where I’m heading. I’ve been able to tap into their wisdom, hear their testimonies, gain from their advice and endorsements, witness their inner workings & take notes. I’ve been fortunate enough to plant the seed for my own independent success with the time, space and place to water it consistently. I say this absolutely not to brag or boast, but to publicly acknowledge that I DARE NOT tug on the hem of God’s robe with complaints, whines and bah humbugs without acknowledgement of the blessings I have been given. I’ve been given the opportunity to live a life as abundantly as I’m willing to work and strive for. I thank HIM for all that I am in light of what I could be…
And that’s only the minor stuff…
I have a personal, direct and unbreakable bond with the Creator. I have a right mind (goes left sometimes though – lol). I have the ability not only to forgive, but to mend what was broken so that I can move on. I’m healthy. I have an energetic, intelligent, healthy & beautiful son who expects nothing less than the very BEST from me. I have a beautiful, loving, wise, intelligent & resourceful mother whose own personal life experiences parallel mine and have been instrumental in guiding me along my path. I have an A-class, high-grade, God-sent, tailor-made support system through my Mom, Dad, Stepmom, Siblings, Family & Friends. I’ve defied the odds along with my “Partner in Offspring Development” and together, despite dissolving our 10-year marriage, we successfully kept – and even strengthened – our lifelong friendship and partnership for the sake of our son. I learned to love ME , conquer my demons, find, tackle and correct my own flaws instead of trying to itemize those belonging to someone else. I’ve learned what it takes to turn dreams into realities and how to truly pursue a goal. I’ve inspired others. I have God-given talent, passion & intellect; a goal/dream/vision that I REFUSE to let go of. I’ve found a
God-sent best friend/confidant/business partner/”male-midwife” who coaches me consistently, encourages me faithfully and executes skillfully to help birth all these crazy dreams, goals & ideas from concept to reality. I have powerful, intelligent & well-connected Sorors (of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Innnnnnncorporated!!) who are ready and willing to lend a hand, a prayer, a dollar or a fist… whatever is needed to get the job done. I’m alive. I am loved. I found love. I’m in love. I am happily and unapologetically ME – a Tennessee born, New Jersey bred living being who is fertile with promise, prosperity and possibility!
Thank you Lord for my “Village” and for all you’ve done and will continue to do with the little seeds my loved ones and I have planted. In spite of my sins, selfishness, laziness, shortcomings, rants and tantrums, I know that I am uniquely, fearfully and wonderfully made. I am BLESSED!
Not what I should be, but a whole lot better than what… I could be!
