Sunday, June 25, 2006

A Testimony - I Am Not My Hair

I have been so blessed of late. This natural awakening journey continues - now accompanied by a spiritual reawakening. It's the most difficult of times. Yet, the beginning of the best of times.

I had "my session" with my consultant and friend, Gigi this past Friday. I don't have hair appointments, I have hair "sessions" - we share, listen, encourage and brainstorm....or sometimes she'll sense that I just want to "be," all the while getting my locks retightened. She has the most calming and beautiful spirit - not acquired - but gifted.

She 's been a big part of this journey I'm on. I was anxious to hear about the New York trip, all the while so, so jeolous that I didn't get a chance to go. Before we could go there, she asked what had happened in the four weeks since I'd shown up for my last "session" tense, worried and very uncertain. I shared,

Attended church and rededicated to my spiritual commitment . That same week:

Got a great new job with a local prestigious university with lots of paid time off and the opportunity to finally complete my education and have it paid for in full!

New job solves two problems that had me so, so stressed - one being an anal and mean boss. Anal I can take, 'cause that's what I'm there for - to balance that out but, mean - I won't take. I loved the shocked look on his face when I graciouly resigned, only stating my desire to complete my education and have it paid for. My departure alone hurts him more than any harsh words I could say. But I have often thought them!

I convinced my mother to come and live with me, no small feat for a woman who doesn't like change and has been on the same job for 32 years. She works hard, too hard and stands on her feet all day. I want to be able to help her get some rest and work on our relationship.

Gigi, said to me, "Now I don't feel bad that you couldn't join us in New York. You had to be here for your blessings." Deep!

And my blessings continue. A co-worker gave me India Arie's new Testimony Vol 1, Life & Relationships. I don't know how she got in my head and my heart and pulled out her lyrics, but boy! That sister is ministering to my most intimate and naked soul - just what I needed, when I needed it.


A friend's gift - India's healing words - Gigi's wisdom - God's grace - How abundantly blessed I am!


Sistuh's please, please check out India's cd....it is da bomb! Check out the lyrics to her single, "I am not my hair."


I Am Not My Hair

Little girl with a press-n-curl
Age 8 I got a Jerri Curl
13, got a relaxer
I was the source of so much laughter


At 15 it all broke off
18 then I went all natural
February 2002 went on and did what I had to do
‘Cause it was time I changed my life
To become the woman that I am inside

’97 Dreadlocks all gone
Looked in the mirror for the first time
And saw that…hey


I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am the soul that lives within


Good hair means curls & waves
Bad hair means you look like a slave
At the turn of the century
It’s time for us to redefine who we be


You can shave it off like a South African Beauty
Got it on lock like Bob Marley
You can rock it straight like Oprah Wenfry
Cause it’s not what’s on your head
It’s whats underneath it
Then say hey


I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am the soul that lives within.


Does the way I wear my hair
Make me a better person?
Does the way I wear my hair
Make me a better friend?
Does the way I wear my hair
Determine my integrity
I am expressin’ my creativity


I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am the soul that lives within.


India
Arie

Testimony Vol 1:Life & Relationships



Dedicated to all of my beautiful Sisterlocks Sistuhs!

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11 comments:

brunsli said...

Congratulations on your new job! I know you deserve it. I love GiGi's take on it too. :)

Creyole said...

So happy to hear about your new and wonderful journey. You deserve it!

Jena Evans said...

Hey Blaq-

Goodness gracious.....

Blessings overflowing, pressed down and shaken...
Praise the Lord... I thank God for you and the sharing of your testimony! Your locs look wonderful. Enjoy year two as it unfolds...

Be blessed~

Detra said...

I feel ya on Gigi's calming spirit, she has a way of putting you at peace. It is such a blessing to know her. Congrats on terminating the stressful job, been there done that...know what a great feeling it is to be removed from that. Good luck in your future endeavors. Big ups to you for going back to school! Your hair is looking so full and healty, I really like the updo, keep experiementing and sharing with us!

Sister-in-Locks said...

I am so happy for you. When the praises go up the blessings come down. Keep making us proud. That up do is so cute.

Maryee said...

She walks in beauty
and blessings,
they keep coming her way.
She digs deep down within
and finds strength that carries her through
even the toughest times
and favor keeps coming her way.
She is the essence of joy, peace, happiness, and solitude.
And love
and light
and grace
keep coming her way.


Congratulations!!

Maryee

BlaqKofi said...

Mad love to all of my Sisterlocks Sistuhs - I just love yall SOOOOO much. You have no idea how much you lift me! Now that's sisterhood. Blaq

BlaqKofi said...

Maryee...how thoughtful, beautiful and lovely! You are another of my friends - talented and gifted. Thanks for sharing your precious words. Blaq

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your anniversary. I don't get a chance to stop by often, but when I do stop by I'm in love with the Spirit of your blog. You're beautiful inside and out. May God bless, heal and restore your sister, T.

Leighann said...

I wished you could have come to NY too, but Gigi was right!!! Everything happens for a reason! Congratulations!!!

Sis. RJQueen10 said...

Hello Lady Blaq,

I miss ya! I know you are busy right now, coordinating the Meet and Greet for this Sat. I look forward to meeting you. I am reading Maryee blog from beginning to end and I came across her video of the song India Arie sing "I am Not My Hair". It is powerful, just to see the words written, but it is deep to hear the melody, music, and voice with the words.

I just had to come back and comment, because when I first read this post I could only half-way relate. Now I completely relate.

Sis. RJQueen10

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