Remembering Lena Horne

(June 30, 1917 – May 9, 2010)

I try not to watch movie trailers these days because they take away the element of surprise for me. This morning while I was getting ready for work, the "Robin Hood" commercial came on and before I could press mute I heard, "Are you ready to be who you are?" and it stopped me. I thought, today I feel so much closer to being that person I am called to be and wondered what took me to long to get here. I have allowed my worst enemy to keep me from living a fulfilled life for way too long. I have given too much power to that evil force and have been robbed of a wealth of treasures that have been laid out for me to have as I please. FEAR...fear is what has held me back from being ME.

So today, I honor a woman who looked fear in the face and laughed. A woman who at a time when Black was not considered beautiful, made ALL men and women swoon. A woman who defied all odds to do whatever she wanted, say whatever she wanted, and be whatever she wanted. She paved the way for me and so many women and we owe her more than we are able to humanly payback.

I'm reflecting on the poem that I keep on my refrigerator, but don't practice in my actions. 

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear

is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness,

that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually who are we not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn't serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking

so that other people

won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine as children do.

We were born to make manifest

the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And when we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people 

permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

our presence automatically liberates others.

- Marianne Williamson

Enough worrying about this and that, wondering what if, and wishing for things that are within my reach. FEAR will no longer be a factor in my decision-making, in my relationships, in my career, in my life period! How can I say I trust God and have fear in my heart?

Thank you Ms. Horne. I WILL do you proud.

*Sweet P*