SLAYING WITH MEDIOCRITY?

It was August 28, 2016. My husband and I were sitting on the couch relaxing. I had an awesome time at church earlier. Who knew that God would speak some more to me through something that happened later that evening? 

I was scrolling through the guide trying to find something to watch on tv. I paused when I saw the Video Music Awards....then I kept scrolling. I saw that it aired on several channels but I didn't turn it on. No worries, because of course I was able to catch highlights on facebook the next morning.

Well apparently there was a swift spark of interest in many to go to the gym and get there bodies right. This spark was caused by Ms. Teyana Taylor. I guess I'm out of touch, but after googling her and searching through a bunch of information that still gave me no clue to who she was, I finally came across something familiar...

That annoying voice from Tyler Perry's movie Madea's Big Happy Family. T.T. is an actress, singer, and other stuff. There was a video shown that, like so many other examples in society, showed an amazing, very in-shape figure, and it's great that so many now want a body like hers. Meanwhile, I am still sitting on my couch, but I'm glad others were inspired.

The main thing that caught my attention from the VMAs was Beyonce. From someone who isn't a fan (I'm not a hater, and I'm not ignorant of her talent. I'm just not a fan and that's ok. ), I have to say that her performance was beyond SPECTACULAR!!

FROM THE FLASHY START

THE LIGHTING...THE SPECIAL EFFECTS

THE WARDROBE, THE HIDDEN MESSAGES

THE DANCING

THE DRAMATIC FINISH

I was completely WOWED by all of it. I didn't even really pay attention to the songs she sung. But what ministered to me was the thought of all the work she puts into her career. She's an icon, since Destiny's Child up until now, she is the star! People love her, she's BIG. Icons are NOT made over night. My husband described it as "No Days Off". 

  If you like her, if you don't, if you do or don't listen to her music or go to her concerts, you KNOW her name. If you are alive, you probably know something about the impact she has on society, you have to see that she uses every ounce of EVERYTHING she has in order to perfect, promote, and produce the BEST!

All I could think was, "What am I doing with my gift(s)?"

Love her or not, you can take nuggets from what she does and apply it to your aspirations. Here's something to think about:

1. How many people know YOU?
Now it doesn't really matter if a lot of people know or don't know your name. I know some folks who can't recall or pronounce her name but they know who Beyonce is. The point is, think about the people at your job, your boss, your superior, your neighbors, church, family, anybody in your realm of influence. Can they speak well of your work? Are you making the hugest impact that you can?

2. Are you consistent, reliable, driven?
Have you acquired a position and have started to settle with doing the bare minimum? How often do you go home and are done with the day? Or are you taking time daily to research your craft, practice, and make it better? If you sing or play and instrument, do you take care of your body, your voice, watch what you eat and drink, or when you drink it? When's the last time your wrote something if your a writer? Is it published? Did you perform it? If you teach, do you plan intentionally, do you reflect each day, connect with others for ideas? If you work in an office, how's your customer service. Do you come on time? Are you hardworking? Not just the day before a performance, an observation, a day when the big wigs are coming in. Is it a lifestyle? Whatever you do, are you YOUR best at it, or actively working to get there?

3. Do you buy into yourself?
Do you believe in yourself enough to not settle for less than what you deserve, to sell your product at its fair value, Do you practice on a regular basis to be better? Are you afraid to shine? Are you investing in yourself with your time and money?

4. Do you even know what your gifts are?...And can others attest to it by your production?  If you think about the woman who performed at the VMAs, do you think she ever slacks? To have a flawless performance like she so often gives, she has to be confident in knowing that she is a performer. Push past any fear that she's no good, that people may not like it, that she may mess up. Prepare by working out, vocal exercises, rehearsals, dance practicing and learning routines, getting rest? How willing are you to be the superstar you were meant to be?

Take time to figure out what you're good at. Start moving toward doing what you were created to do, and do it with excellence! The world is waiting for you to be great. SLAY!