Confession...

This post is difficult for me to type.  Not because my typing skills are mediocre, but because of what I am about to say.  I am a positive person.  I love my family, friends, and myself.  I enjoy being healthy, participating in different activities, and enjoy connecting with people.  I never want to be a bearer of negative news or be a bad influence on anyone.  But sometimes I have moments when I don’t have the best attitude, am pessimistic, selfish, and even a bitch.  I am disobedient, defiant, and wasteful of my time, energy, and resources.  Random reasons really.  Could even be PMS, but either way I am aware. 

I said all of that to say that I AM...HUMAN.  Whew!  So glad I got that off of my chest.  WOW, right?  Some people may think otherwise, but I have flaws and have made so many mistakes.  I still make mistakes.  That’s just part of being human.  I just needed to say that so you know that wherever God takes me, I am still an ordinary person.  I may be blessed with some extraordinary talents and opportunities, but I am human just like you.  That also means that you are not exempt from the extraordinary.  God can do the same in you.  It may come in a different form than what you want or expect.  It may even be so massive and quick that you don’t have a chance to soak it all in at first.

So be encouraged, you don’t have to be extraordinary….he’s got that taken care of.  You just need to be in position, ready, and willing.

Until next week…Andrea M.

Last Week’s Poll:

Q:  Do you think change tests one’s faith?

A:  Yes!

CHANGE - FAITH = WORRY

“Change is the essence of life.  Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.” –Unknown

I have mentioned in prior posts that God has blessed me with an amazing opportunity.  I have been so excited, anxious, and open-minded to the changes that have been occurring.  As my time draws closer, I have been trying to prepare myself.  Long days (and sometimes nights), sweat, tears, and the moments of feeling home-sick are all part of the destiny before me.  But I know that with my hard work comes success.  I also know there will always be more good times than bad.  Everything is going to be just fine, right?  So why do I worry?

Now this is not the worry that prevents me from moving forward, breaks my confidence, or shows in my work.  This is intermittent and minor.  There are a range of things that cross my mind:  who I will meet, what I will eat, where I will live, if I will be fashionable for the big city, whether I will “fit-in” in the industry, etc.  I am also concerned about my family/friends.  What will they do without me?  Will they be alright if I am not around as much?  God has provisions for everyone.  So again, WHY the concern?

Is it because I am resistant to the change(s)?  No.  Is it the feeling of being needed in someone else’s life?  No.  Or is it me not trusting God to be God?  Maybe (ouch, that hit below the belt).  One thing that will definitely test someone’s faith is change.  People always want the best but have to have faith that God’s will is best.  How many of you have rejected changes in your lives because you didn’t believe the outcome would be just right?  Have you gotten too comfortable with who you are to change and become greater?  You probably know you have the potential, skills, brains, and support, but you resist the change.  Your future would be so much greater if you would surrender to change, have faith, and walk into your opportunities.  As for me, I will continue to walk, build my faith, and rely on God to do the rest.  Remember, the “best case scenario” always includes HIM.

Until next week…Andrea M.

Last week’s poll:

Q:  Should one be just as inspiring as they are inspired?

A:  Yes!

Inspiration in Mia

Now most people know that I was a tomboy growing up and that even now, I don’t wake up in GLAM mode.  Some people are familiar with my story from beginning to end.  Others have just learned “snip-its” recently.  I had always been sociable and made friends pretty easily.  Those traits seem to be inborn.  However being totally confident was quite different.  I had self-esteem to some degree, but I did not love myself fully.  Part of that was from maturity, choices I made, and having negative people in my inner circle.  The other part had to do with the lack of examples of plus size, powerful, and beautiful women in my life.  I learned about plus size models and although I fit the size and height requirements, I was still insecure about my assets.  As I researched further, I learned of an awesome woman, Mia Amber Davis.

Now Mia was a tall, voluptuous, confident, sassy, sexy, and vibrant plus model.  I would see her in ad campaigns and dream of being on set, striking a pose, and brightening the world with my smile, just like her.  I was blessed to meet her in 2009.  She was even more beautiful in person.  Not because of her wardrobe or makeup, but because I could experience her personality and spirit.  She was helpful, honest, respectful, glamorous, confident of her abilities, and so proud of her curves.  From that encounter I was inspired to love all of my curves and be confident that I could be a professional plus model.  I have been dedicated ever since and have God to thank for allowing our paths to cross. 

This past week my inspiration, Mia Amber Davis, passed away.  It was an extremely unexpected and painful loss for her family, friends, co-workers, students, the plus modeling community, and me.  I will NEVER forget the legacy that she has left.  I only hope that can impact others as much as she did.  I find myself looking through her photos, videos, website, twitter timeline, and blog and still find myself learning from her.  You will be remembered for years to come Mia…Thank you!

Please visit the links below to find out more about Mia Amber Davis and how to donate to the Mia Amber Davis Fund

www.miaamberdavis.com

www.miaamberfund.com

Until next time…Andrea M.

Last Week’s Poll:

Q:  Shouldn’t Mother’s Day be everyday?

A:  “It already is” was the answer with the most votes.  That MUST mean that moms everywhere are being appreciated daily.  If you didn’t know, now you know!

Another Rose

With Mother’s Day vastly approaching, I am exposed to lots of triggers that bring memories of the women in my family.  Not just those related by blood, but women who I have come to love, respect, and grow with.  Some of these women are actual mothers.  Others are “motherly.”  Just like there is usually an “odd ball” in every family, there is also a woman who seems to know everything.  She never has a problem telling you about yourself, answering a question, or providing solutions.  In my family it was always the eldest (great aunt, grandmother, etc).  But with time the eldest have taken ill, lost their sharpness of mind and wit with age, or even passed away.  Now the new generation of all-knowing women includes my mother. 

Now my mother is definitely one of a kind.  I am sure everyone can say that about their mother.  Living in the south from the 50’s to the 70’s she faced various forms of racism, segregation, oppression, and disrespect.  Cultural norms were definitely different as well.  Women’s rights and values were not important to mainstream society.  My mother not only lived through those experiences, but went on to bigger and better things.  She was blessed to marry a great man, move to the Midwest, obtain her undergraduate and graduate degrees, and build a great career.  She made great strides, retired, and is now working in her second career.  She has her health, wisdom, love of family and friends, and most importantly her faith. 

As I have grown and matured, I have become closer to my mother.  That was not always the case.  We still have our mother-daughter moments, but nowadays we have a solid friendship as well.  Her life’s tragedies and triumphs have shown me that I am capable of GREAT things.  Her drive and determination for her life and mine has sometimes been the only wind in my sails.  Before I knew God for myself, her prayers and faith had helped to keep me connected to him.  I am so very thankful to not only have a mother, but one who is also interactive, loving, dependable, supportive, honest, confident, curvy, beautiful, virtuous, and blessed.  My mother always told me, "Don't save my roses for when I die.  I want to be able to smell them while I'm alive."  Well mom, here is another rose...

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers out there.  I pray that you enjoy your day and know that you are appreciated.

Until next week…Andrea M.

Last Week’s Poll:

Q:  Procrastination means you are irresponsible?

A:  Unanimous vote of YES

That’s clear.  “No further questions your honor.”