I am going to make my keyboard sing, like Stevie Wonder did the harmonica at the Queen of Soul Service. I mentally dissect everything; it is the way God has designed me to operate. I took a journey through my mind, through the minds of who was visually acknowledged. I marveled at Stevie Wonder. Here is a gift to the nation, that someone may say is cursed, or handicapped. This man has raw talent. He has never even seen Mrs. Aretha Franklin, but he loved her because of her presence. He doesn’t even know what black and white looks like, but he loves through touch. My God what a wonderful blessing that must be. To not have your judgement be clouded by the color of skin. I could tell through emotional trembling vocal chords, that grief of her loss was deeper than the surface of the human eye. I could tell that she touched people in different ways. I could tell that she was a fighter. I could tell that she was able to bridge the gaps between politics. I could tell that she campaign for change. That is what legacy is all about. #RESPECT, LOVE, KINDNESS
I wouldn’t dare call it a funeral, because so much life was present. The fact that LOVE showed revolutionize history forever. Mrs. Aretha Franklin was Auntie Aretha to many. Even to me. Her music was heartfelt, rather it was Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Jazz, or even her melodious dialogue. The gift she was afforded deserved the level of Respect I witnessed on yesterday. In fact; after leaving work early, I was so excited to leave I wasn’t aware that the service was screaming live. I listened with great admiration to everyone. She was so well respected by generation after generation. I remember growing up my mom would blast her music on Saturday, indicating it is time to clean out the refrigerator, the cabinets, and anything else the Queen of Soul moved her to dictate to my siblings and I. What was most noticeable on yesterday is some of the commentary of the timing it took for her service.
When you think about the years she suffered silently with a disease that has rocked every household at some point, you would think the Respect would have been higher for a legendary. She was someone’s mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and she was certainly an idol. Displaying respect doesn’t cost a dime. It actually builds character. Death can tap us on the shoulder at any moment; would you want your life’s legacy to be rushed? I would think not. You only die once. I am sure her service could have been longer, considering how many friends and family would have embraced the opportunity to speak or perform at her service.
My takeaway is this; no matter what household you grew up in or around, RESPECT should be given to everyone. Especially through grief and sorrow. Your words of venom can not be retracted once your ears are penetrated with them. Just like the rhythm of music is easily learned and dissected into our souls, so are harmful, toxic, and unforgettable words. When I loss my mother, it taught me that when your time is up, you can’t go back and do over what has already been done. It is recorded in the book of your character. While you are still leaving, there is time to practice RESPECT, until you get right.
I would like to personally request that if you were among the negative commentary, that you ask for forgiveness, and learn to show RESPECT, LOVE, and KINDNESS!
~Fearless Passion
Fearless Advocate for CHANGE
Fabulous. Flawed. Fearless. 