TRUTH HURTS

“Why men great till they gotta be great”~Lizzo

Lizzo is a big deal to me for multiple reasons.  She is a plus sized woman comfortable in her skin and promoting self love!  But she also has boy problems and writes about them.  If there is anything I can relate to in this whole wide world is that I problems with a men.  Constant dating woes, I tried it all from “going with the flow”, to being in “situationships”, to only dealing with one man while in the “talking phase” and I get the same result; single.  I put the “singggg” in single.  I am not sad cause “I’m 100% that bitch” still! I am celebrating me with girl power songs that encourage loving yourself, putting myself first and moving on to the next.

This song has been played everywhere.  This is my summer theme song.  If you have already heard this song I hope it heals you like it has me and if you haven’t you’re in for a treat

Music Mondays: The Foreign Exchange - On A Day Like Today

“On A Day Like Today” by Foreign Exchange is close to my heart for several reasons. I won’t bore you with all the reasons, but will share a couple. I have never been in love before. Not the romantic type of love. And at 36 I thought I would be married with children by now. Life does not go as we plan and that’s okay too. If just for today I let go of all my expectations. If I just allow life to unfold as it will. That is scary, I always had a “plan”. But as Phonte sings, "Today I am going to try something new".

For years I have “worked” so hard on trying to have it all together. On my journey I find myself letting go. I finally accepted I won’t have it all together. Pause….breathe….and it’s okay. Perfection only lives in my mind. I wanted the perfect relationship. I wanted to court, get married, THEN move in together (build our own home of course) and have children. It’s okay to have a dream about your ideal relationship, but what I never made room for was life to happen. As Phonte wisely sings, “Get out the way of your happiness/ Let go of all you know is not true”.

“On A Day Like Today” is one of my favorite songs. It is a mid tempo song with an 80’s feel. It a perfect song for a sunny Fall day! And I love how Phonte fades out the song with the lyrics he sings at the start of the song. There is nothing greater than a love song! A song you can jam to and lyrics that can heal a broken Spirit. A healthy love is the goal. I will no longer be obsessed about the process. What I don’t learn while I am single, I will learn God willing when I’m in a relationship. My obsession with trying to have it together was my wall. That wall kept romantic love out of my life that did not meet my high expectations. On a day like today I will change my point of view. Now with a new outlook on life my prayer is that I will find my way to you. Enjoy…

Music Mondays: The Internet - You Don't Even Know ft Tay Walker

To stick with the theme of setting the mood I have another song to add to your catalog. This group is called The Internet. The entire album is filled with songs about love and making love, truly one of my favorite albums of the year.

The sensual ballad “You Don’t Even Know” starts off with the Syd singing, “You’re beautiful, you brighten up my day/ And when your skin touches mine/ I get goose bumps right away”. I swoon every time I hear that line. It is the simple gesture of saying a women is beautiful sometimes is all she needs to hear by the man she adores. That then opens up the door to so much more.

For those who are single like me this is an exciting time. Now that we are in the Fall season and the weather has gotten cold, it’s time to warm your heart with a new lover. This is what some know as “cuffing season”. This is when a man and a woman spend quality time together, hoping to build something great together. Once you’re blessed to have met that special someone you have to have your theme music! Enjoy…

Music Mondays: TGT - Lessons In Love

I read a quote that said something along the lines of a women's favorite song can tell you what she is feeling. I believe that is true and explains my current favorite song; "Lessons In Love" by TGT. Sensuality is necessary for me in a romantic relationship. I will tell a little secret: When I go out with men their music choice is crucial for me to bond with them. Knowing what to play sets the mood that in itself plays a part of how comfortable I am with a man. Music is extremely sensual and a man playing the right song, I will let my guard down.

"Lessons In Love" lyrics open up with "I hope you like the strong types". I swoon every time I hear Tank sing that line. The song is seductive and expresses the meaning of learning how to please each other through touch. Due to my lack of experience with intimacy a man who is willing to teach me will have my heart!

In August TGT released "Three Kings" and the album is amazing! If you have not heard it yet, you’re missing out. Listen below to "Lessons In Love". Hope you enjoy…

Music Mondays: Zo! - Tell Me Something New feat. Jeanne Jolly

People who are the closet to me know I am a super romantic. Since a little girl, if I had a tough time expressing emotion music did that for me. The perfect lyric would express my deepest sorrow, joy, peace, and a desire just to be loved. That is what Zo's "Tell Me Something New" did for me. My longing to settle down and fall in love is my hearts greatest desire. It is amazing to me how a song can express our deepest desires. In the second verse country, soul singer/songwriter Jeanne Jolly sings "Such a rare and precious find/ To receive this love divine/ And I am yours babe". To hear a man say or feel that way about me would be ‘a dream come’ true. With a soulful melody and deep felt lyrics, this instantly became my favorite song.

Zo! is a soul/jazz artist from Detroit. From top to bottom, "Manmade" is a classic with many hit records written by Foreign Exchange lead singer, Phonte Colemen. Go get this album now; you will be in for a treat!

Enjoy...

Music Mondays: The Foreign Exchange - So What If It Is

"Don't you worry bout the pain of yesterday, just remember to live. Don't be afraid it's not the end of your world but so, so what if it is" ~Phonte

Riding the train on a long commute home from my former job in DC I checked my twitter timeline. Phonte Coleman posted that there would be a new song by Foreign Exchange coming out that day. Being a long time fan I went directly to his twitter page to get the link. As I heard the song first of all, the music during the intro gives me the most amazing feeling. I could stay in that space forever, listening to the intro over and over. Once getting to the lyrics I was blessed by the simple words “It’s not the end of your world…so what if it is”. Going home emotionally drained and wondering if I should quit my job, I felt like it was the end of the world. And it was the end of my world, at least that part of it. What I learned in that moment was so what if everything comes crashing down; your life gets turned upside down. It is heartbreaking, but if you’re blessed to see another day it will get better so remember to live! It’s not the setbacks that define us, but how we recover is what does. I have below the lyrics that helped free me from the prison of my plan and releasing my life to God allowing a new journey to take place. What must come to an end in your life? What is God asking you to free yourself of? While you reflect on that, enjoy the music below. With pleasure here is the new single on the upcoming Foreign Exchange remix album titled “The Reworks “, “So What If It Is”.

Lyrics by Phonte Coleman
Everybody's got their song and dance about
What it means to struggle and to go without
No one thinks that they're part of the problem yes it's true
It's true

People running scared amidst these changing times
Recession, depression, unemployment lines
Everybody needs a little healing yes they do
They do

Now's the time to raise your voice and lift your hands
Show your love to every woman every man
Nobody believes things will get better but I do
I do

Don't you worry bout the pain of yesterday
Just remember to live
Don't be afraid it's not the end of your world but so
So what if it is

Everybody's searching trying to find a way
Reaching through the darkness for a brighter day
Looking for the sunshine in a sky that smiles so blue
So blue

Now's the time to raise your voice and lift your hands
Show your love to every woman every man
Nobody believes things will get better but I do
I do

Music Mondays: Smokie Norful - I understand

We all have dark days, sometimes more dark days then light. Trying to make since out of the confusion in my life currently, I woke up Friday morning and "I Understand" by Smokie Norful came to me in my spirit. I instantly started singing the lyrics and began to feel healing in my soul. I have the lyrics and the song below. Please brothers and sisters know that you do not suffer alone. God sees all and HE does understand. Yes, it’s tough and I have gone from angry, to sad, to being at peace, to angry again. You do not suffer alone; I am going through it too. How do I seek comfort? Praise God through my confusion, hurt and pain. Be still and listen. And when I don't hear God's voice, I trust HIS plan. What an awesome testimony you will share when it is all over. Be blessed you all and I Love you!

Sometimes I feel like giving up
It seems like my best, just ain't good enough
Lord if you hear me, I am calling you
Do you see, do you care
All about what I'm goin' through

And then HE said, one more day
One more step, See I'm preparing you, for myself
And when you can't hear my voice, please trust my plan
I am the Lord, I see, and yes, I understand

But sometimes I feel like I'm all alone
I'm just like a stranger so far from home
I feel like I've done all that I can do
Please Lord, give me strength, I'm just tryin' to make it through
That's when HE told me

One more step, yeah
Oh my child, I'm preparing you, for myself
And when you can't hear my voice
Please just trust my plan
I am the Lord, I see you, and yes, I understand

HE knows just how much we can bare
And in the time of trouble HE promised
HE would always be there
Oh, I understand
The Lord is telling you, yes I understand
I am the Lord, I see you, and yes, I understand

This is what HE says
I am the Lord I changeth not
I won't forget nor have I forgot
You see everything works according to my plan
I am God, trust me, I got the whole world in my hands

Oh, one more day, yea (One more step)
I'm preparing you, all for myself
I'm getting you ready
(And if you can't hear my voice)
If you can't hear me speaking
Oh, just trust my plan

Yea, I am the Lord, I love you, I see you
And I understand, oh
I am the Lord, I see what you going through
Every problem, every trial, every burden, and every situation
I understand, I won't leave you
Yea Yea Yea, I understand, understand, understand
Thank you Jesus

Music Mondays: O'Jays - I Can Hardly Wait 'Til Christmas

My grandparents raised me from the moment I left the hospital; they are who I call mom and dad. My biological mother's parents stepped up to the plate and I am forever grateful for them. Being a sensitive child, as teen I shut down and closed off my heart to most, specifically my mother. When my biological mother made a rare visit home I would go to my room and shut the door, the only way we would bound is through music. One day I played O'Jays "I Can Hardly Wait 'Til Christmas" video in my room. Once my mom heard it through my bedroom door, she knocked and asked would I play it again. I must have played the song a million times that day.

That is why music is such an important part of my life because it helps comfort me at a time when I feel alone. This is the song my mother and I share as our favorite and I want to share it with you this Christmas Eve. Remember the excitement of opening gifts and playing with your new toys? Staying up late from excitement of the next day? As an adult I still can't wait 'til Christmas to honor the birth of Christ and share love with family and friends. I hope you enjoy one of my favorite Christmas songs ever "I Can Hardly Wait 'Til Christmas".

Music Mondays: Mary Mary - "Carol of the Bells"

Getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season where we are concerned with getting the tree, buying gifts and preparing to travel; we have to stop and remember the reason for this joyous season. The reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The beautiful harmonies of Mary Mary on "Carol of The Bells" does just that! Gospel group Mary Mary adds a soulful melody to this famous Christmas song. Personally one of my favorites on their Christmas album. Add this great Holiday CD to your collection and enjoy with family this Christmas season.

Music Mondays: Ledisi - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

First of all if you have not heard Ledisi's Christmas album you are missing a treat. On Ledisi's "It's Christmas" album she sings some original Holiday songs and also she sings some Holiday favorites. One of the favorites she sings is "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" in which Ledisi brings her rich vocals to the track. As soon as the song begins Ledisi starts off with blended, perfect harmonies giving the timeless classic her personal twist. To help you get in the Holiday spirit, here is Ledisi "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

Music Mondays: Nas-Cherry Wine (CDQ)

Where do I begin? There are many words to describe Nas. Legend, G.O.A.T., The Don, GOD's son, leader, prophet, and father. The words I use to describe Nas is my favorite rapper. I have been a big fan since 16 when illmatic was released. Ten albums later Nas gives us another classic "Life Is Good". If you have not heard the album you have to pick it up. The album is well thought out and reaches every generation, which is a task few artist Nas age can pull off.

My favorite song on the album is "Cherry Wine" which features the late Amy Winehouse. In the chorus Amy sings about longing for a mate that others tell her is so close, but he feels so far away. Boy, can I relate! That is why I LOVE this song. Being open to new LOVE Nas talks about what he desires in a mate and the challenges he faces with meeting the one. A relate-able song and album. If you are a soul music fan your in for a treat. Enjoy!

Music Mondays: Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B) Feat.Ledisi - Robert Glasper Experiment

You know the feeling, when you hear a good LOVE song as soon as the music begins to play you start smiling? That feeling is what happens to me as soon as “Gonna Be Alright” by The Robert Glasper Experience featuring Ledisi comes on! The band plays this drum kick and then the rest of the music plays for up to 32 seconds and then Ledisi begins to sing. Heaven!! I instantly connect to lyrics, experiencing what the songstress is expressing with words. The lyrics are simple and repeat “Just bring me the sunshine with your smile, and I’ll be okay”. As a hopeful romantic this song does everything for me! Hope you enjoy it the same.

Music Mondays: Ah Yeah feat. Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele

Music Mondays: Robin Thicke-The New Generation

Robin Thicke new release "LOVE and War" hit shelves on December 6, 2011. This album is a soulful and smooth listen. The CD begins with up-tempo songs and then smoothes out towards the end. While there are a few skips on the CD overall it is a great listen and worth the buy. There are several high lights from the album but one song that touched me deeply is "The New Generation". The song is a tribute to our current generation and how we are beginning our own revolution, a revolution of LOVE, peace, and resolution. It is by far one of my favorite songs out currently and after a listen I know it will be yours too! The song has great lyrics, with a catchy tune and live instruments. Check out the entire CD in stores now! Enjoy.

Music Mondays: Kim Burrell | NEW single "Sweeter"

Kim Burrell has touched our souls with her voice for many years now. With a voice like no other Kim Burrell knows how to minister to our hearts. Back with her LP titled “The LOVE Album” in my opinion, it is one of the best albums of this year. Kim Burrell does not disappoint as she allows the spirit of GOD to use her as she speaks about LOVE and how to LOVE each other the way Christ LOVES us. Remaking songs like “LOVE Me in a Special Way” by El Debarge and “LOVE’s Holiday” by Earth Wind & Fire she makes it clear that LOVE is not just a relationship between man and woman, but also with GOD.

Burrell makes her LOVE message clear with songs like “Pray for LOVE” and her remake of “Jesus Is a LOVE Song” by Karen Clark-Sheard. This is a worship CD! The lyrics heal your heart and the music moves your soul. The music will inspire you to lift your hands expressing LOVE to GOD for bringing you so far and expressing gratetiude because HE will take you even farther. LOVE is the new movement! In order to see a world of peace we have to first be a world filled with LOVE! Who is going to join the revolution with me? We speak and write about LOVE often, but we put it to practice when we live it! Let this album push you to the next level on your Spiritual Journey!

Here is the current single off of the “The LOVE Album” LP “Sweeter”.

Music Monday’s: Inspiration Mix

Music soothes the soul. The melody and lyrics have a way of meeting your needs emotionally that nothing else compares to. Listening to a song that "speaks" directly to you has a profound effect on our well being. Understanding this need I decided to make an inspiration mix for myself. The spirit needs to be soothed and nurtured. What better way to do that than with music! This is a mix that I put on my MP3 player for myself and I want to share it with you.

 

What songs inspire you? Share them with me. There are many more songs to add to the list. Here are a few I picked. Hope you enjoyJ

 

"And You Don't Stop" by Kelly Price

"Walking" by Mary Mary

"This is Me" by Kierra Sheard

"Be Happy" by Mary J. Blige

"LOVE" by Carmen Rodgers

"Spring Summer Feeling" by Jill Scott

"Happy Face" by Destiny's Child

"Future" by Musiq

"Golden" by Jill Scott
 

Music Mondays:Kelly Price - I'm Sorry

I did not know Kelly Price released her new CD on May 3, 2011. I downloaded the CD right away and OMG, Kelly Price does not disappoint. She does not have one bad single on the 12 song LP. Going through each song, I was excited for Kelly's great return to music. I finally got to "I'm Sorry" and the tears began pour down my face. I instantly allowed the lyrics to touch my heart. The song is about Kelly in a reflective state of mind. She starts by saying that she is sorry she is leaving and sorry that she stayed, HA! The song continues on as Kelly tells HERSELF sorry and pledging to do better in the future. My GOD, talk about healing lyrics. Kelly Price belts out notes as you can feel she is singing from her heart. I connected with the words and with the pain in Kelly's voice. I too abandoned myself for the world and approval of others. At one point in my life I did not honor my heart or my head when making decisions in my life. But I, like Kelly has learned the art of forgiveness with myself and ready to start a new.

Take this vow with me. Do not let another day go by that you put yourself last on your own list!! Honor who you are, and make peace with yourself today. Your heart will be grateful that you did. Enjoy the song with lyrics below.

I'm sorry that I'm leaving
I'm sorry that I stayed
I'm sorry that I ever let you treat me that way
And I'm sorry that I let a good man get away

But I accept my apology
I'm gonna do better by me
I wrote this song to say I forgive me

For the times I needed me
And every time I slacked
I'm sorry I gave him my love
And he didn't love me back
And I'm so sorry I gave him my heart
I want it back


But I accept my apology
I'm gonna do better by me
I wrote this song to say I forgive me

For the wasted time I know I'll never see again
For the drama and the lies that live inside my head
And for loving you (more) than I even love myself
And for every bridge I burned I know I can't return

But I accept my apology
I'm gonna do better by me
I wrote this song to say I forgive me
I wrote it to say that I love me
I wrote this song to say I forgive me

Music Mondays: Mary Mary- Sitting With Me- (Something Big Album)

I have heard many songs that have touched me, but nothing deeper than "Sitting With Me" by Mary Mary. The second verse is about a man who is waiting for marriage to have sex. Just like me I was told it is unnatural to wait, I will miss out on life by waiting too long and no man will wait for sex until marriage. Feeling alone, I have spent many Friday nights by myself. But I am OK, I will carry the cross as long as the Lord is sitting with me! Know that you may have to spend some time alone as well. Like Apostle Paul live your life completely for GOD while you are single! While you give your heart and soul to GOD watch him answer your prayers:)

Here are the lyrics of the second verse. Enjoy!



They said he wasn't ordinary 'cause he wanted to be married
Before he let himself, be with someone else
They even said he was unnatural
What they didn't see, didn't see that he
He was much more man than they'd ever be
'Cause he was a man, of integrity
Just like me he was Mr. Unpopular,
Never asked to be part of the in-crowd
Everyone knew who he was
Cause his life screamed Jesus out loud

Yeah I've been, left out, looked over
Just for carrying the cross on my shoulder
It's okay with me, if I'm the last one who's picked for the team
I'll sit on the sideline, as long as He's sitting with me.

I know someday I'll shine, I'll wait 'til it's my time
Lord I won't move, I'll sit with you

Music Mondays: Chris Brown feat. Benny Benassi - Beautiful People

This video has given me life! Chris Brown has footage of him working with different artist in the music industry, private footage of himself and also his fans. My favorite verse is: "Your beauty is inside you...don't let them bring you down"! Allow that to inspire you this Monday morning:) Blessed day Beautiful People!

Music Mondays: Kirk Franklin - I Smile.wmv

I received a text from my cousin Sunday afternoon who said she heard "I Smile" by Kirk Franklin and it reminded her of me. I heard this song when it first came out, but at that time it did not hit me. See I talked to my cousin months ago about feeling sad(I also blogged about it) and going through a mild depression. But despite my sadness I still believed GOD was going to bring me through. Through the Winter I was nursing pain from family, work, and personal guilt. I knew that when the Spring came whatever I worked on in the Winter would come to full bloom in the Spring! So I worked over time on my healing by telling my truth! As soon as Spring Sunday morning I felt a release in my spirit! The dark clouds have moved and although their is darkness in the world I will be light!

"I Smile" speaks to me the way few other songs do! Kirk Franklin does that because our childhoods are similar so he understands pain, confusion, not feeling LOVED, and just simply being down. To go through all of that and to still smile is only GOD! Is that your testimony too? Listen to the lyrics of this song and let it heal as it did for me:)