It’s been such a long time since I’ve blogged. Too long.
Sometimes, I can get too critical of the process; wanting to somehow
know what the other side of “this particular through” looks like. Yearning to not be wrong in my perception of
what God is doing. I’m learning to
relax. Learning that not having the answers is okay. Learning that me writing is more me
verbalizing my head on paper. Getting it
out. Encouraging others who may feel the same.
But today, Maya made me write again.
I found my eyes welling with tears when I heard of her
passing. I couldn’t believe I wanted to
cry over her loss. As I’m talking to
myself, telling myself to get it together, I realized why. With people like the Nelson Mandelas and the
Maya Angelous leaving us, I think of my own grandmother who I’m blessed to
still have in my life at 92 years young.
What an awesome testimony of grace, perseverance and quiet strength. I look at her and often wish I had the grace
she does. I’m much more outspoken and
raw. I’m put together, yet bursting at the seams if that makes sense. She’s an educator, a matriarch, a picture of
legacy, who will overflow in hysterical laughter with you while reminding you
that the question you just posed ended with an unnecessary preposition. And I’m
now really crying.
Because I don’t know y’all.
I just don’t know. Does our
generation get it? And while I’m far from
hating on the things that the Beyonces and the Angelina Jolie’s who in
their own right regardless of their flaws are making a difference – they’re not
making a Maya Angelou difference. They’re
not making a Nelson Mandela difference. We
are not making stands, waves, ripples, tides turn, for a cause greater than
ourselves.
I was just asking someone, what famous female role models do
our girls have? And I’m not talking about Oprah and Michelle Obama. I’m talking about between the ages of 20 and
40. Where are they? I find myself
feeling a burden for the girls and guys we teach weekly in our youth
ministry. A burden to provide hope; a
bridge between cool and morality; hip and holy; unique yet inspirational. But it’s hard, y’all. And it’s hard because the Mayas are
dying.
So, this is my promise – ode to the generation of today – I promise
to be the very best I can be. I promise to make stands when necessary; to think
on the edge of the box; to live for a cause greater than myself. And while I may never be famous; I promise to
be famous in my community for integrity. I promise to not allow the fact that I
will never be perfect to deter me from getting back on the bandwagon of hope
for the change that I can affect right in front of my face!
And while there will only be one Maya, one grandma full of
grace, and one Nelson – there will also only be one you. “If you don’t like something, change it. If
you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
Will you join me?
