YOU Are BE-YOU-TIFUL!!!

 

  

"I praise You, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well!" 

(Isaiah 139:16)

 One of my most favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. states:

"I have a dream, that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

You know, I have never understood how a person, having light complexion, though recognized as an individual of color, would be looked upon as someone of more perfection.  Throughout my life, many human beings, have placed those who were fair-skinned on a pedestal, even saying they were extraordinarily beautiful, while a more brown toned. for some deep-rooted reason, would be frowned upon.  I am always reminded of "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep," a familiar quote, as well as a title of an old tune, recorded and released in 1966, by rhythm-and-blues group The Temptations:

"So in love, sad as could be, 'cause a pretty face got the best of me,
Suddenly, you came into my life, and gave it meaning and pure delight;
Now good looks I've learned to do without, For now I know what love's all about!
Beauty's only skin deep, yeah, yeah, yeah; Beauty's only skin deep, oh yeah!"

The first verse of the lyrics speak to how the innermost being of a person provided more insight, than mere physical attractiveness. Even though the guy became amazed by the outward physicality of a female he chose to bring into his space, he was a miserable soul, until he was introduced to the interior aesthetic of a woman with distinction and an altruistic heart.  The poetic stance reminds us of how imperative it is to recognize inward qualities that authenticate what's real from imitation.  It seems these days that the road appears to move in the direction of the "cookie-cutter," or "what everyone else is doing" mode, and many seem to fall in line with what they see with their eyes, instead of viewing beauty in its truest form - from the inside out.  

Meanwhile, there are those who question their identity, thinking that because they are of a certain hue or shape, they feel inferior.  In their minds they are unworthy, because there is a mass group who think it's okay to  berate someone's surface.  I want to make note of some of the most prolific individuals of whom I have always had the highest regard, who helped me realize that my complexion or body width is secondary to what God has placed inside of my existence.  When I hear young girls speak of doubting the fact that they are just as amazing as anyone else, it baffles my mind to no end.  Truthfully speaking, regardless to what people say to, or around them, mockers should not have that much voice, persuading a child not to have a clue of who they really are, or where they're headed in life.   You can catch more bees with honey than with vinegar!  There are entirely too many hurting souls in the world, for us to continue ruining a youth's dreams before they have to chance to sleep. 

 

Nina Simone

I have always loved listening to artists who sustain depth and meaning.  Virtuosos with heart and soul.  Renowned artist Nina Simone always had a sense of consistency and forethought.  In my opinion, the lady was such an extremely talented performer, as well as a compassionate activist for civil rights, so much that her songs spoke volumes, and continue to do so today.  Some of the meaningful traits that  stood out in her were the elements that her persona depicted - truth, heart and refinement; something I desired to exhibit in my own life.  Because she carried herself in such a way, she received honorable respect, not because of her skin tone.  

Naomi Sims

When I was a youth, after growing up in NY, I had to spend some time in the south, and I was awakened to the conception most people had that lighter-shaded blacks were deemed supreme; however, brown, or even darker toned like myself, were considered unattractive.  Even infants were categorized as being born more beautiful than chocolate babies.  It was so frustrating to me, so much that at times I felt as though I wasn't up to par  because my complexion was a deep shade of brown, not pale tan, cream or peach.  However, in 1969 I was first given a reason to become impressed with myself, when a LIFE magazine cover represented class with distinction, using a perfect example of earthy tone.  Naomi Sims was the first African-American supermodel, and worthy of the title. 

Amazingly, she made tremendous strides, after being teased due to her height of 5'10" at age 13, overcoming ridicule during the civil rights movement, literally kicking in doors of segregation.  She was first featured on the cover of 1968 LADIES HOME JOURNAL magazine, as well as being chosen to provide a ground-breaking interview article, further expressing the theme of the decade, "Black Is Beautiful."  Ms. Sims was offered the starring role in the 1973 motion picture, "CLEOPATRA JONES."  However, due to many racial simplism of black portrayal, she chose not to participate.  Eventually, she followed her dreams, creating her own line of wigs, cosmetics and fragrances, comprised with women of color in mind, making me feel more worthwhile, helping me realize how beautiful I really am.  No one can tell me anything differently, and I have a great respect for Ms. Sims' accomplishments, her intelligence, as well as her total beauty.

Cicely Tyson

Born in NYC, Cicely Tyson, an Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actress, became a highly-demanded model, but after some time, decided against it due to her not appreciating the feeling  she was functioning "like a machine."  She decided that a career in acting would probably me more to her liking, and enrolled in acting school, after-which she appeared in off-Broadway stage derivatives.  What I appreciate about Ms. Tyson is how determined she was not to appear in any blaxploitation projects, stating, "I would rather be unemployed than act in blaxplotation films."  She stood her ground, no matter what.  She is one of the most thriving, astonishing, and underrated actors ever, but I always love listening to how powerful her voice is.  Ms. Tyson could have a small role with a cameo appearance, and still speak with such potent delivery.  Below is an excerpt of one of the memorable scenes with Ms. Tyson giving a riveting performance, from the popular, all-star cast  TV-movie, "WOMEN OF BREWSTER PLACE:"

See what I mean?  Powerful, dynamic, and thought-provoking!  That's Ms. Cicely Tyson!

India.Arie

As you can see, I am an avid lover of all things ART.  It administers an avenue for expressing yourself, giving a message that would allow others to feel free to laugh, cry, love, understand, and ponder.  When I heard the song "VIDEO" on the radio for the first time, while commuting to work, I thought to myself, "that is so in-depth, and meaningful!"  Little did I know that the young woman singing it was new to the music world, but so seasoned.  India.Arie is a magnificent devotee to her individual craft, so much that I thought she would win a Grammy award for her initial work of art.  To her, it's not about falling in line with the "cookie cutter" image, but staying true to self, and that encourages me to know who I am, know what I'm here for, follow the direction set for me, a realize that it's never too late, as long as God gives me breath.

"I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of  Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.  Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me..." 

(Song of Solomon 1:5-6a) 

As you the verse above, you would think that being black or dark is insignificant, even inferior.  However, upon further reading of the book of Solomon, you find that even when the young lady felt she was beneath others, Solomon saw royalty in her, and was compelled to declare his undying love to her.  HER - the way she was!  Even if she thought she was too dark to gaze upon, the king, so full of wisdom, recognized the true beauty of the Shulamite woman, and was in awe of her.


We should always remind ourselves that we are incredible creations of God, realizing that He made only one of each of us, individually, for HIS purpose.  Regardless to the surroundings, whether derogatory things have been said by certain particulars, or antagonistic people, an unsure young girl or boy, or pre-teen, should not have to feel worthless because of their physical demeanor.  Whether that child is taller, darker, or even thicker, before she has a chance to start doubting who she is, we need to assure her, like the line from a recent movie, that she is "kind, smart, important!"  No child should feel like they have no clue why they are even living.  And we as adults, or parents, must become teachers at home, as well as being concerned about  school grades.   

Exhort often to each daughter, niece, cousin, friend, by telling them, as well as showing:

"YOU are Loved, YOU are Special, YOU are Beautiful! YOU are here for a Purpose!  Now, BE the BEST YOU that you are, and will be!  To thine own self, BE TRUE!"

Those of us who have become witnesses to how imperative it is to uplift young ones early on, should always let it be known how much they do matter, and there is a blueprint that God has already designed for each life.  After all, we are created in the His image and likeness.  We should always be aware that the glow of brightness we carry will provide a sense of belonging, entitlement, and the outlook of being free "TO BE."  That will generate an amazing spirit of greatness that will cultivate an impression of true beauty in others.  Be blessed, as you bless!