Life…think about it

Life has a way of throwing ridiculous curve balls at you when you least expect them. Recently, an enormous earthquake and tsunami hit Japan and it caused many to solicit prayers. Not only were prayers solicited, but many began to re-evaluate their lives and wondered if it ended today if they would be happy with the lives that they lived. Why is it that we must wait for those unexpected curve balls to strike before we take the time to look at our lives and ask ourselves, “What was it worth?”

I have not written in so long because I have allowed my career to consume me and for that I sincerely apologize because as I have written here so many times before, your passion should always exceed that which brings you a profit. I enjoy what I do, but this…writing about life and the upward mobility of African Americans is my true passion. I apologize for neglecting it and you, those who are inspired by the words I write.

Strength was my Weakness…

Strength – moral power, firmness, or courage; power of resisting force, strain, wear, etc. (As defined by dictionary.com)

This word has been synonymous with African Americans for years.  It is our strength that got us through slavery, civil rights and even some atrocities that we still face today, but I can’t help but wonder if this same strength has also become our weakness.  Have we become to bent on appearing strong that we don’t acknowledge our mortality and realize that it is ok to be vulnerable?

What’s in a Name?

Queen, Empress, Daughter, Wife, Sister, Beautiful…all names that mean so many different things to different people, but why is a name so important?  A long time ago I started calling people names according to what I saw when I looked at them or what I perceived after I got to know them.  I would often greet another sister as, “Hey beautiful” or “Whats going on lovely lady.”  I noticed that by just calling people by a name full of positivity you could change their entire mood.

The saying that “Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is so far from the truth.  I am a firm believer that you should only respond to names that describe who you are as a person in the most uplifting way.  Bitch, ugly, failure, disappointment, weak…these are names that should never describe you and ones you should never answer to.  When I read my word it proclaims that my name is VICTORY and that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  I believe this and therefore act in a way to exemplify what my creator has called me.

Liquor Store Blues…What’s your vice?

Bruno Mars is a new artist who already has my fan card.  Although he is only 23 years old, his musical ability and lyrics are worthy of mention and admiration.  This latest single from his upcoming debut album “Doo Wops and Hooligans” hit me when I heard it because he speaks about one of the many vices that people run to when they are unhappy with their lives, alcohol.  I wonder what in our lives could be so unhealthy to our mental and spiritual well beings that we at times turn to an external source to numb the pain.  Quite possibly we could have a vice and not even realize it because it is so much easier to ignore the deeper issue inside and simply dismiss the vice as “having a good time”.

Why We Do What We Do

So I have been gone for a minute for various reasons.  The main one being that I was working on getting my MBA (yup this chick got her mind right), but also because I truly believe in quality over quantity.  I created Soulreflectionz to be a platform to highlight wonderful African Americans who have used the gift of life that God has given them to benefit others and give back to those who may not have as much as they do.  I want to give exposure to people who use their talents to make a change or those who pursued their dreams and made them into realities.  I do what I do because I feel that this is one of the many ways I am giving back to my community, by writing about them in a positive light.  We are so used to seeing and hearing all the negative aspects about the Black community or being wrapped up in the shallow waters of celebrity.  I created this blog because I believe that there is a beautiful richness within African Americans that goes deeper than the various hues of our skin tone.  I look to honor and celebrate those who give of themselves and ask for nothing in return.

She’s A Go-Getter…Tracey M. Ferguson

I had the privilege of meeting this amazing sister at the My Black Is Beautiful event held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.  Her energy was captivating due to her positive spirit and BOSS swagger.  Some of you may know her from the Centric channel reality show “Keeping up with the Jones,” but this go-getter is so much more than just the Editor-in-Chief of Jones magazine.  Ms. Jones was gracious enough to share her professional and personal pursuits with Soulreflectionz.  She is indeed proof that your passion can generate a profit and bring you joy.

The Definition of Beauty and Grace, RIP Lena Horne

Elegant, sassy, trailblazer, activist, author and fellow Brooklynite.  These words and so much more describe the prolific Ms. Lena Horne.  With a voice and style like no other, Ms. Horne kicked open the doors of Hollywood and broadway and amazed all those who witnessed her power whether black or white.  Outside of singing, Ms. Horne made sure her voice was heard for issues pertaining to the Civil Rights Movement.  She is most remembered for her comments about the treatment Black soldiers received during World War II.

Soul Videos of the Week

Check out these new videos, they are hot!!!! Happy Mother’s Day to all the hard working mothers out there.  You deserve to be honored everyday. God bless.

Blessings,

Soulreflectionz

“Baby Father” by Sade

“Silky Soul” by Musiq Soulchild

“Billionaire” by Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars

“As We Enter” by Nas and Damian Marley

“A song for Mama” by Boyz II Men

Love my momma!!!

One Day At A Time

Why rush when true strength and wisdom come to those who can endure through any situation.  It comes to those who can endure even the worst of times with a faithful spirit and positive outlook on life.  Too many of us are looking for the microwave blessings.  We want it now and fast without all the extra preparation it takes to make a well cooked meal.  We bypass crucial planning and knowledge that would be beneficial to us in the long run.  We need to develop patience for the oven blessings.  Those are the blessings that come with time, care, patience and preparation.  Very much like how it is when our loved ones prepare a feast for us.  We can always tell it was made well because it was made with love.  Someone took the time to make sure that every ingredient was mixed together well and placed in the oven to bake for the right amount of time in order for it to come out just right.  It is never under-cooked.  When we rush anything in life, it doesn’t come out as well as if we took the time to learn more and develop ourselves.  In this instance we are under-cooked and not suitable for the great things trying to come our way.  Taking the time to invest in yourself spiritually, mentally, physically and professionally will help you to handle all the doors that God will open for you once He sees that you are ready.  You can’t get upset because things are not going the way you want right now.  There is a good possibility that those doors continue to remain closed because God has not finished equipping you with what you need to maintain the blessings He is about to give.

Real Fierce!!!, Kimberly Nichole

She’s a vintage whore whose voice can shake the very depths of your soul.  Growing up in Seattle, Kimberly Nichole always knew she was destined for the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, New York City.  She found her voice in Atlanta while attending Spelman College and followed the yellow brick road to the NYC.  Down to earth, confident and with a style like no other; Ms. Nichole is a force to be reckoned with.  She will be re-releasing her acclaimed album “The Yellow Brick Journey Reloaded” on June 18th at Joe’s Pub.  She shared her journey with me and reaffirmed why she is real fierce and taking the young soul movement to the next level.

RD:  How did you make your journey from Seattle to Atlanta and then to New York?

KN:  When I was in high school, I did a summer program in Atlanta at Spelman College my junior year. That reconfirmed my wanting to go to Spelman. After I graduated from high school, I relocated to Atlanta and I haven’t been back to Seattle since.  After I graduated from college, I decided to move to New York. I did that in 2008 and I have been here ever since.