When I saw this picture on another blog, I stopped and stared at it for the longest time.
Initially I thought about Michael Jackson - his life, time, talent, stuggles, accusations and premature death. Then, I couldn't help but to apply this picture to my own life. Growing up in a small mid-western town with dark-skin in the 70's was a trip. Even though we were "sayin' it loud" while being "black and proud", and Jessie had an Afro and wore a dashiki sometimes, we were still trying to find ourselves in a society that told us that big lips, dark skin and huge Afros were part of some dark, alternative lifestyle. Because of that, when I think back over the years, I lose count of the long list of names that I was called (skillet and blackie are two that come to mind). All of them had a horrible impact on me for most of my life I started to hate how I looked so much that I only looked in the mirror when I had to and I hated taking pictures. During my teen years, finding makeup for my chocolate skin presented another challenge which made me further question God's handiwork.
Time is its own healer and teacher, if you allow it. Unfortunately, I was in my 30's when I decided to actually re-claim my identity. My daughter was 3 years old and I figured I'd be damned if I was going to let her have the same struggle. So, how could I teach her to appreciate her beauty if I didn't know how to appreciate my own. So, with some help from the inspirational writings of Susan Taylor, I decided to undress myself, spend some time admiring what God had created and truly embrace my beauty for the fierce perfection that it is. I was re-born at that moment, now I walk in the perfection of God's creation as the true Queen that I am.
My heart bleeds for those who are still living behind the mask. Working harder to please society than you are to please yourself is the definition of INSANITY. At the end of the day, when I look in the mirror it's me that's staring back - no one else but me, and I LOVE ME!!
"I'd be starvin' if I ate all the lies they fed". (India.Arie)
Be inspired, be yourself!!
Peace Lovies!!!!
