Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Asking Black Women to Change Is Part of A Larger Spiritual War

Every time I wonder what I'm going to write about, if I'm offering something of substance and whether I should cut back on my blogging schedule of daily posts I am constantly inspired!

A few thoughts occurred to me as I was writing Part 2 of Getting to Where We Want. One is that it's really about getting to where we NEED to be, so take that added dimension into consideration. The other revelation I had is the fight for the minds of black women is a SPIRITUAL WAR as much as one deploying COMMON SENSE.

There are several black female bloggers writing about ways other black women can improve the quality of their lives. Whether it's interpreted that way is left to the discernment of the reader. Whether the messages being offered have benefit may be open to debate. Whether that message can be ignored is the giant pushback going on right now. Think about it: there's a few "ragtag" band of women literally shouting in the "jungles" and the "wild" banging their drums. They're visiting homes (via blog writing) of many sometimes in the guise of one thing but with the intention of something else (all good). They're imparting knowledge or sharing stories. They're getting a LOT of resistance. People lie about the positions being offered. Others don't quite understand what the heck they're talking about or are only getting 15% of the message.

Some brave woman had to be willing to step forward to address the chaos. If this could be thought of in investment terms it's a Capital Call for funds so a future purchase can be made. Others have followed suit. We're from all corners of the world (blogosphere). We're sending correspondence back and forth but may never meet. We have convergent purposes and can strategize together on some things or offer words of encouragement to each other. We don't agree in every way all the time. We learn from each other even as we have our own (teaching) purposes. We may not be "leaders" per se but we're offering examples of leadership (of self) for everyone.

These messages can be of benefit to ALL women but they are specifically being offered to those most in need. That's what makes this so radical. Black women as a collective should have the same high standards that other women from other groups have. We also have to acknowledge our individual perspectives, needs and ethnicities as it affects who we are and what we may need to do. Reaching for our purpose requires a thorough examination of ourselves and those around us. Everyone doesn't always have our best interests at heart. If that means leaving behind the majority of other blacks then so be it!

Some need to know of the mistreatment of others. Some need to be challenged. Some need to know how beautiful they are. Some need to know they have options outside of their immediate surroundings. Some need to hear about the successful lives of others. Some need to know the storm is coming. Some need to know they're surrounded by poisonous snakes who will strike and kill them. Some need to have their blinders removed and their shackles removed. Some need to put into practice steps they already know they need to take. Some are confused and may need time to figure things out. Some will not listen and must be left behind for the survival of others.

Here's what I know to be true:
  • Black Women should have suitable mates.
  • Black Women should have protection and care.
  • Black Women should have relationships that are fulfilling.
  • Black Women should have opportunities for growth.
  • Black Women should not be around anything that drags them down.
  • Black Women should not settle for anything that is of little benefit to them.
  • Black Women should know how to make life-affirming choices.
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6 comments:

Karen said...

Faith,

Excellent post. The challenge for all of us is to assess our current situation, to determine if changes need to be made and to then act.

I also think this should become
"The Black Woman's Bill of Rights":

* Black Women should have suitable mates.
* Black Women should have protection and care.
* Black Women should have relationships that are fulfilling.
* Black Women should have opportunities for growth.
* Black Women should not be around anything that drags them down.
* Black Women should not settle for anything that is of little benefit.
* Black Women should know how to make life-affirming choices.

bwdb said...

Faith...I am familiar with "Margin Calls" in the world of stocks and "real life" often works the same way...Eventually we'll have to "Pay the Piper" for our actions...Black women need to investin their romantic, career, financial and social lives NOW to reap the rewards...BWE bloggers overall are extending a warning admonishing us not to come up short...We need to heed that!

bwdb said...

BTW...

I do see the resistance and clinging to the 'old ways'...It is frustrating to witness those who stay in Candyland despite the Chernobyl around them...That is one of my biggese pet-peeves...

Faith at Acts of Faith Blog said...

Karen: Thanks. I like the idea of drafting a new Bill of Rights. We'll also have to include Cut Off All Others Who Oppose Your Rights, especially other black women!!

CW: You're correct. We have to invest wisely in ourselves so we can have something to draw on and retire with. Thanks~

Unknown said...

dopeness 100%
so true, so true

in this sense I appreciate the blogosphere. We all should give advice that helps (not victimize). Black women can be helped the most and the best by other black women especially those that have been in the same situation.

as usual great post...

Faith at Acts of Faith Blog said...

Brother OMi: Thanks. I always appreciate your feedback.