ALL HAIL, QUEEN B!

Today is September 4th…. Bey Day! In case you’re unaware (I DON’T KNOW WHY YOU WOULD BE…. BUT JUST IN CASE YOU ARE) Beyoncé is officially the big 4-0! So yes, i’m over the moon excited and you should be too! It’s not every day we get to celebrate the woman that transformed a nation merely by sneezing on a beat (Beyhive insider).

Honestly, at this point, September 4th should be ordained an international holiday….. OR SOMETHING! But until then I thought I’d celebrate the formidable Yoncé by constructing this love letter. I figure it’s time we gave the Queen her flowers.

So here goes nothing:

Dear Mrs. Carter,

Im not sure if you’re a fan of Maya Angelou but I once saw an interview she did for Super Soul Sunday that truly transformed my life. In the interview Oprah asks Miss. Angelou “what is love to you?” Angelou replied “Love is liberation, Love liberates…” Those words hit my heart with a fierce fortitude— setting into motion a journey of TRUE self discovery. It’s funny because we often think we know what path we’re supposed to be on. We have this cookie cutter idea of a life in our mind— that’s not even our own— and each day we go about the business of either assimilating or crafting a life that is Uniquely ours. Though, at times we can’t exactly articulate what that looks like. We think we know what a well rounded life is supposed to be but often we have NO CLUE! We have these faint ideas of what we “think” love is. We have mere inklings of what success is supposed to feel like. Until, by some miracle, life (God) shows us that we’ve got it ALL WRONG! Our idea of love, success, happiness, and fulfillment doesn’t even scratch the surface.

When I first happened upon this life-altering interview I was a graduate fresh from college. I was just trying to figure out what my so called purpose was. I was over praying and I was through with soul searching. I wanted answers! I was desperate for some form of direction! And just when I was ready to give up the search I hear Maya Angelou whisper “Love liberates.” And I realized at that moment that whatever I was to do on this planet it would involve the liberation of others. I would not only liberate myself but I would free the masses. I would make space for everyone to feel free within themselves— much like you! Beyoncé, I have found immeasurable freedom in not only your body of work but in your embodiment of love, grace, and compassion. You have endeavored to do the unthinkable in a world where many are quick to determine something “impossible.”

You've dared to dream….To seek freedom for yourself and in turn free others merely by being YOU! You have created space at your table for ANY AND EVERYBODY. You value the lives of others and it shows…. You give way to compassion and empower us ALL to believe in the best versions of ourselves. There are very few people who have not been impacted by your legacy in some way, shape, or form.

I know it hasn't been easy….

I know you juggle a great deal.

I know being an uplifter requires more humility and restraint than seems available at times but I thank you for holding fast to your values. I thank you for daring to be yourself. I admire your heart for your craft and your love of humanity. I admire your spirit & tenacious sense of integrity! The standard has been set with you, Queen B.

You make possibility feel accessible. Bey—You are proof that if you listen to your heart, believe in yourself, spread love to others, and PUT IN THE WORK there is nothing that you cannot be, do, or have. I pray you continue to lift the masses… to be a voice for the voiceless and provide hope to the hopeless. The work you do is not only appreciated but necessary. So keep doing what you love and know that we are cheering you on! I pray that God continues to watch over you and your loved ones. That he/she fills your life with endless love, joy, peace and abundance.

Thank you so much for sharing your light with us! Thank you for loving on the world….

Here is to the next to the next 40 years of your Queendom!

* raises glass *

May they be extraordinary!

Sending you tons of love & light on your special day!

Love,

BB