A Message From the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards

This Sunday, November 27^th The 2011 Soul Train Awards was aired on BET Networks. Many generations grew up watching and listening to Soul Train, tuning in to hear the latest hits, learn the latest dance craze, or even figure out the new and hippest trends.  This year marked the Forty Year anniversary of the Soul Train franchise; that was first aired back in October of 1971. The purpose of the annual award show is to highlight the talents while recognizing the best in black music and entertainment. The show has progressed greatly since its first annual award show in 1987, promoting the message of hope, love, peace and SSSOOOUULLL!

This year’s award show was taped in Atlanta on November 17^th and was hosted by none other than the hilarious Cedric the Entertainer. The aspects of the show that I really took heed to was the tributes to the legends. Both Earth Wind and Fire and Gladys Knight were awarded the lifetime achievement awards for not only their contribution to the great music, that we all have come to love, but also their versatility, vision, and significant contribution to individuals’ worldwide.

I choose to focus the message of this post on Madam Gladys Knight’s Legend Award acceptance speech.  Tribute was paid through a medley performance of Ms. Knights best hit records featuring the talents of Marsha Ambrosius, Natalie Cole, Chrisette Michele, and MaryMary. But the most significant part was when Mama Gladys’ (A friend in my head, lol) began her speech; she opened with stating exactly how much this award meant to her. 

“This is closest to my heart because it comes from my people. Only you know what roads we have had to take to get around in this world. I’ve stood on the shoulders of many people, from the slaves who were brought over on the ship, to the racial injustice fighters such as Martin Luther King.”  I believe this is significant because we all must remember that we haven’t done much alone, there are many people who have come before us, truly fought and strived for the freedoms and luxuries that we have today. We all should learn a lesson from Mama Glady’s speech, and not forget the struggle and journeys of named and or unnamed persons who fought, big and small, for equality for all.

Sometimes a simple friendly reminder to not take the little things for granted is what we all need. In everything that we do we should strive honor and not tarnish the memory of the ones who have paved the way.  

And in true Soul Train tradition, I must end this post in one way.

"...and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace... and SOUL!"

Red Carpet Arrival Pictures 

 Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary

 cynthia bailey & Marsha Ambrosius

 Rapper, Actor, and Author  Common

 Miguel

 Robin Thicke

Actor Lance Gross 

 Rapper Treach of Naughty By Nature

 Keri Hilson

Peace and Blessing

-RB

Embracing His Vision

I was doing some reading, thinking and writing over the weekend and some questions came to mind. 

What is my vision in life?

What do I hope to accomplish?

Where do I see myself in the near future and in the years ahead?

I believe that we all were wired for greatness, designed for success and created for His pleasure and glory. God knew you before you were placed in the womb, He had already predetermined who you are, your abilities, weakness and gave you purpose before you were even born. But it is not always the easiest thing to understand your purpose in Him, but God has a vision for our lives that we all must embrace.  The bible states “Where there is no vision the people perish; but he that keeps the law, happy is he” – Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Vision is the act or power of anticipating that which, will or may come to be. A few months ago I was listening to Bishop Courtney McBath’s sermon and as he preached he spoke about how God’s Vision should transform your life.  “Capture the vision God has for your life, move out of your safety or comfort zone and step into your God given vision. Having vision should transform you, stay with you and the vision should give you a reason to celebrate in everything you do.”

Honoring God should inspire you and the people you come in contact with to do better! By honoring His Vision it will transform you and stay with you. This also leads to influence, which has to do with a powerful position, title, degree, relationship or monetary value, but more importantly in God’s eyes has everything to do with your Heart’s Condition.  I’ve come to learn that a heart of excellence is one that goes above and beyond to do what is right, people take notice and it affects them.  But MOST importantly God takes notice!

So today I pray that you enter each new day with an attitude that you have a purpose greater than yourself! I do believe that God wants to position you in places that you may never have dreamed possible! So be mindful of the example you set for others, approach life with a heart of excellence, surround yourself with the best people and focus on living your best life now! We only get one! To God be the Glory.

As I think about the vision I hold for myself, I give thanks to God. I give thanks that my future is a clean slate. It is mine to plan, mine to choose and mine to live. What a freeing feeling this is! Day by day, my vision becomes clearer and my faith becomes stronger as I let go and trust God to guide me forward.

Peace and Blessings!

-RB