One word: AMAZING! I have to openly support people that I believe express themselves genuinely through their art. I believe God gives us all a voice. Some voices are higher decibels than others, some have staying power and some fade away embattled with societal laryngitis. I believe in my voice! I claim it. I know it is meant for others to hear. I share with anyone listening so I was especially moved by the interview on Oprah with Tyler Perry. Amazing.
Tyler Perry endured more than any human should have to endure in a lifetime. The sadder part is that it was only during the course of his childhood. He was able to contain the anguish and pain that he felt, if only to spare his mother another's moment pain. The strength to hold onto that kind of story is immeasurable. Now that his mother has passed on, he is able to reveal the source of his genius. Pain. Terror. Faith. Belief. Triumph. His story is one that inspires a nation of people who have suffered at the hands of a molester, an abuser, or a childhood taken without remorse. His story will make it possible for some child out there to believe it will get better, some adult male to release the shame he bears, and some mother to take a closer look at the people in contact with her son. Inspiration.
Tyler Perry used his childhood to fuel his ambition. His dedication to approaching topics that are not talked about in the Black community has brought light and relief to a generation of children suffering at the hands of abusers and molesters. His plays and movies, while comedic in parts, touch on real life issues that are affecting our community. I hope if nothing else, it raises questions, enlightens us, and motivates us to reach out to our children and make sure they are safe. We can't leave it to the movies to raise our children, but we can take inspiration from them and use the morals in our daily existence. Motivation.
I applaud you, Tyler Perry, for reaching out tothe little boy inside of you and making sure that from now until HE IS SAFE. HE IS PROTECTED. And that other little boys and girls around the nation have a voice. I cried with you today. I felt your victory in my spirit. I will use this experience to make sure that my voice is not diminished, and the little girl inside of me is never afraid to be who she is. Fearless.
What happens after the morning after Oprah's interview with Tyler Perry - we reach out as a nation to our children and ask the questions that we don't think to ask. We ask if anyone is touching them. We make sure that they know there is no shame in telling. And we protect them with our very lives. So that we can put a choke hold on an epidemic in our nation that is ruining the childhood of so many young lives. They don't deserve it, they didn't ask for it, and it's our responsibility to save them from it. Take a stand. Look at the difference your voice has made. If it's not loud enough, TURN IT UP! Use the little boy or girl inside of you to realize your dreams and to be an inspiration to others. Use your experiences and tribulations to make the road a little easier for another human being. Don't fall prey to societal laryngitis. Speak. Act. Be.
We love you Tyler Perry!
Stay with me!
