"This
is that moment in life when clichés are more than mere rhetoric
"Just
do it" becomes gospel
That
moment when
Excuses sound easier than the plan
When sleep soothes the pain better than the idea pushing to bring it to
fruition
In
this moment
Yesterday's failure is either a costly, wandering stream of spilled milk
seeping into today
Or the fresh breath of every possibility at birth
May your cries be declarations that this life will thrive..."
Excerpt from 'a Gospel' by Nina C. Brewton (c) 2013
This video from Adrian Bryant sums up exactly how I'm currently feeling in life. Even though he uses the conditioning of athletes to demonstrate his points, the message can apply to anyone: The student, the entrepreneur, the artist...whatever your vision has purposed for your life, "may your cries be declarations that this life with thrive..."
Note: Some prefer the book and others prefer the movie. At BE{AM} INSPIRED, I provide both to meet you where you are! Readers and viewers alike, enjoy!
I’m a believer in the idea
that nothing happens by chance. As we walk according to a pre-destined purpose,
opportunities are presented to us and from there, it’s our responsibility to either
take hold of such possibilities or pass them by.
I too have been guilty of “missing
the boat”, failing to walk through open doors due to a variety of made up inadequacies,
lack of funding and unfortunately, blatant lack of preparation.
But here I am. Proud to
finally be at a point in my life when, not only am I confident in who God has
created me to be, but I am prepared to walk according to the vision that He
placed in me so long ago.
This past weekend I was
invited to attend 'Dining with Bevy: Life with Purpose', an exclusive brunch hosted by Bevy Smith - socialista, fashionista
and SO much more! Beyond her work as a host for top music/fashion industry red
carpet events,Auntie Bevy,as she is
affectionately called in her Twitter world, is a woman dedicated to inspiring
others to believe in themselves and the power that lies within waiting to
be activated to in turn, inspire the world!
Upon entering the ‘mocktail’
reception at Bernardin's Fine Dining in Charlotte, Bevyputs her eyes on
you, making you feel as if you’re the most important person in the room!
Immediately excusing herself from conversations at hand, she takes the time to
greet every individual as they walk to the door while effortlessly engaging
others in conversation in between the arrival of her hand-selected guests.
After being ushered into the
beautiful main dining room at Bernardin’s, the brunch is called to order by
Bevy’s own lovely hands, elegantly tapping an empty wine glass holding a small
tea candle; nice touch Bernardin’s! *wink*
Having gathered everyone’s
attention, she begins by assuring us that, "everyone here is
qualified..."
Throughout the process of growing towards my destiny, I’ve
learned this truth over and over again as God convinced me about two years ago
that wherever He sends me - be it amongst celebrities, pastors, politicians, those with multiple degrees, whatever the case - He has qualified me to be wherever
He sends me.
WARNING: "People will often
give you the side eye (as if you don't belong here) but don't let that deter
you." - Bevy Smith
Too many people go through
life thinking that because they’re from Smalltown, USA or because they have no higher
education or come from a less than well-to-do family, that the visions, dreams
and aspirations within them aren’t worthy of pursuing.
Again, Bevy encouraged everyone to believe that "You
don't have to "get" somewhere to do something…" Reminding us
that there are plenty of people who were born and raised in big cities, or who
have families that provide them with every opportunity to succeed, who lack
ambition and motivation. Where you’re from has no warrant once you finally get
sight of where you’re going.
I tell my friends/followers in my social media world to 'Always #ChoosePeace'! Peace of mind can't be but, but is a choice that we make every day of our lives. Bevy made a decision to always seek 'tranquility, serenity and clarity' and has found that while seeking these things, she is able to sort through the noise, mess and naysayers when it comes to business, love and life and general.
If we would seek the intangible, we'd be that much
more prepared to receive our tangible desires when they come along. Bevy
reiterated many of the lessons I have learned in life and try to instill in my
viewers/readers.
A few more of my favorite Bevy quotes from the day:
The Incomparable Bevy Smith and I
"Everything we do should be reciprocal.”
The laws of sowing and reaping do apply, whether you’re consciously sowing or
not. This is why it is imperative that we be mindful of where we sow our seeds!
"I actually achieved my goals in TV and as
a writer. I was broke but fulfilled. I was still successful because I was doing
what I set out to do."
“There is equity in relationships! It's time to
start cashing in on the equity that is in the relationships you've been
building!”
I am grateful for the lessons learned from Bevy
sharing her life and journey with us. I am also grateful for the opportunity to
meet so many fabulous people who are looking to stand on ambition and take the
opportunities afforded them!
On ambition, Bevy reminded us, “when you're given
an opportunity, assess it, but don't be afraid to take it!" Determine that
fear and uncertainty will no longer hold you back from your purpose and vision!
I am finally glad that God made me the type of person to be a friend to people even when they're don't act like friends to me. Growing up, my being gracious made me feel weak & vulnerable. Although I am a "social butterfly", I oftentimes found myself hurt & feeling alone.
As a woman growing in God's will, I understand the importance of being that gracious person. I understand the freedom that comes from extending grace to those whom I call friend. Even more importantly, I thank God that people know that they can depend on me no matter what.
I've grown to understand that sometimes, people don't really know how to be real friends because they too have been hurt and instead of loving harder, they keep people at a distance, they hurt others, adopting the concept of "misery loves company". Even still, sometimes, people don't recognize they're even hurting you.
And so, to those who have called me friend over the years but have shown me less than the love they say they have, it's okay...*smiling at God* ...don't see me as weak. I am far from lonely. And even though the actions of others still hurts at times, I have all that I need. Most importantly, I have the grace of God & His love in my heart that allows me to pour the same grace & love onto others who have need...
