#NaturalHair - The New Bougie

Note:  If you would prefer to view the vlog based on this same topic, please see the video below! ;-)

I have recently had mixed emotions about the sudden "trend" of sisters wearing natural hair as I have worn my hair natural for the majority of my adult life after completing my first "big chop" when I was 15 years old -- before there was ever a big chop to be had.

With recent popularity, I found that I began to take a somewhat elitist stance on natural hair, making me no better than the sisters who choose to go natural or even rock a "bald head" because it's the current "in" thing to do. I was no better than the hair care/beauty industries, magazines and advertisers who are riding this new wave to capitalize on the trend.  

I had to take a step back and realize that, from pop culture to politics, sometimes it takes a trend or a "fad" to generate change in the hearts of even one person and in turn, that one person can be the spark that revolutionizes the world.

So, who am I to keep the trend from growing into a true way of life?

As I've grown as a woman and a “naturalista”, I am dedicated to not only sharing with sisters the truth that "good hair is healthy hair" and that natural hair is healthier hair but that living a healthy lifestyle overall enhances our beauty in ways that go well beyond the way we wear our hair.

I’m no “natural hair Nazi” who feels that all women should wear natural hair. My concern is for sisters who feel they can’t wear natural hair and be beautiful; those who feel their hair has to be “relaxed” to be “good”. My issue is the same for sisters who feel they have to wear make-up, weave, false lashes…

But this isn’t about them right now…

This is about us. This is about those of us who have somehow managed to “recondition” our minds to understand that we don’t have to maintain societal standards of beauty. This is about our position and the power that we have to encourage those sisters who are still growing in their hair journey.

How dare we take an elitist stance on something that many of us struggled with ourselves? Many not so long ago…

Most of us were raised by generations of women who depended on lye, weaves and wigs to fit into European standards of beauty. As sisters attempt to renew their thinking, they should not feel alienated because they haven’t “arrived” to where you are in your natural hair revolution!

As with any other area of life, growth and revelation are an ongoing process. For those of us who have found comfort and confidence in our own natural texture of hair, we should be encouraging our sisters in every way possible to feel beautiful, regardless of their current position in life.

                                                                                          

We don’t want sisters to fail to see all of the benefits and beauty that comes with being natural. We don’t want our lifestyle to not be received, or even considered, because of an uppity, belittling attitude towards those who are still growing with us. As with anything, presentation is everything.

***Quick sidenote/example: I hate math. Always have and I’m certain I always will. Regardless of how I feel about the subject, math was an important part of my intellectual, scholastic and social development.

As much as I disliked math, I wasn’t a total failure at because every so often, I would be assigned to a teacher who was willing to be patient and work with my non-mathematical mind, presenting equations and formulas in a way that I would understand and receive. Their angle made the difference. Many were able to make it so that I actually enjoyed the class! Who would have ever thought...?

So, bottom line: Get over yourself. In all things you do, seek to inspire others to be their best and to recognize the beauty that was planted within them when they were created. Sisters have it hard enough without us tearing one another down.

May the trend continue to grow and may the revolution begin with you! To my sisters considering going natural, welcome to the club! Don't stop til you get enough! *cues MJ*

Dining with Bevy: Life with Vision feat. Bevy Smith

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, Bevy puts 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!

CJ South aka @creativejenius

Sasha aka @naturalhighco of The Natural High Blog

Six Ways to Receive Your Harvest (Pastor Isaac Pitre of Christ Nations Church, Texarkana, TX)

I had to revisit this from last year! The Word of God stays TRUE!

I declare: From this day on, I walk in revelation knowledge of the Word.

First of all, we cannot stay at home and reap. Just like a farmer cannot sow from sitting around doing nothing, neither shall he receive a harvest without action! Psalm 6:6-9 speaks to the life of the sluggard and shows us the truth that poverty will fall upon those who are unwilling to work.

With that being said, we must truly gain an understanding of this truth: 

EVERY time we give, it IS given back to us! If we don't discern how we're receiving it, we will MISS the harvest!

1) Unexpected Income - We all like the idea of receiving random, unexpected money in the mail, but this is actually the LEAST of the harvest...however, it is VERY possible (I'm a witness!)

2) Favor - God speaking to somebody to do you good! Don't miss your favor! If you are a giver, SOMEBODY around you is trying to favor you! FOLLOW THE FAVOR!

The key to this is also one of the GREATEST areas of harvest that we can receive. If we don't have relationships with PEOPLE, how can God use others to extend His favor? We have to be in a position to receive and that always begins with our attitudes towards others.

3) Relationships and CONNECTIONS - Again, your harvest is in the hands of PEOPLE! If you don't discern your relationships...YOU'LL MISS YOUR HARVEST. 

4) Opportunities - Open doors. When a GOD ORDAINED DOOR OPENS, WALK IN IT! 

5) Ideas, Visions, Dreams and Plans - God will continue to bless us with ideas that can be used to build up the Kingdom. When we sow, God sees our level of spiritual maturity and sees that once we are obedient with a little.

6) Divine Obedience to Assignments - Give into the Kingdom! Whatever you give, YOU WILL PROSPER!

We so often miss our harvest because it comes in unexpected "packages". If you sow, ALWAYS look to receive your harvest! As with all things, practice discernment so you don't MISS IT!?

Another word from Pastor Pitre: 'Be Seated'

Controversy Created by the Church

There has been a lot of talk lately (and always, I'm sure...) about gospel artists "fraternizing" with sinners/secular artists.  From the mother of The Clark Sisters and Kim Burrell being shunned and chastised by the COGIC to fans and critics worldwide causing an uproar regarding Mary Mary's highly successful "God In Me" music video, The Church is found yet again teetering with the possibility of losing many possible disciples of Christ through their "holier than thou", judgmental attitude.


IMO, the Church needs to stop making everything regarding all things secular so controversial. It's "controversies" like these that keep sinners IN their sin. Show them the God you SAY is in you and let GOD do the rest...

Enjoy the video but more importantly, enjoy the message in the music!!!

Below are some comments that I left today on Mary Mary's "God In Me" video on YouTube
ENJOY!!!

This is my first time seeing this video and I am GLAD that these ladies and their team decided to convey the message in this song the way they did. When I hear the song and watch this video, I literally think of the lyrics being directed at "The Church" sayin', "don't assume you know what I'm going through just because MY walk with God doesn't look like yours."

Yes, this song definitely speaks to the world as an invitation to the world to see what God has done for me, "the saint" but there are plenty of people in the secular world that have God in them. Are they all representing the Kingdom to the fullest? Perhaps not, but LORD KNOWS that I wasn't either when I first got saved and I may not always do my best now!? We "...don't know how much {they} pray, don't know how much {they} gave, don't know HOW MUCH {THEY'VE} CHANGED..."

Okay...this is my last comment (lol...didn't mean to turn this into a blog!?) How many of us church folk stop to think of the act of witnessing that may come from our involvement with the secular world? Who knows what God is doing with this song and video. I love EdwardCarrillo's comment about the Pharisees response to Jesus with sinners...THAT sir, is the best point made here. But I can't forget @mammacita65. We must DEFINITELY check our love walk...