Beauty=Pain?

This beauty article that I found of Brownsista.com really piqued my interest. What are the real reasons we women endure painful "beauty" procedures? Do we do it for ourselves, others, or a little bit of both? I myself do it primarily for me, but I do appreciate the compliments that come as a result of my efforts. To tell the truth though, I don't take part in any painful beauty regimen beside eyebrow waxing, but I'm not giving that up. Unibrows are no-no's.

I know many of you here read the article I wrote a few weeks ago about getting my eyebrows threaded for the first time. To refresh right fast: It hurt, I cried. The end. At the time I wasn’t sure if I would have the procedure done again- but today I decided to give it another try and so far so good. I like the results- though the procedure was just as painful as it was the first time. As a matter of fact, while reclining in the chair and enduring the awful pain, I asked myself why I had chosen to do this again. But not only me- why as women do we endure painful beauty procedures? From waxing to relaxers that actually burn our scalps, as women there seems to be no pain threshold we won’t cross in the name of beauty. But why do we do it? As women do we want to be beautiful for ourselves or do we want to beautiful for men?

As I was standing in my bathroom looking at my newly cropped brows I liked the way they looked. I liked the image I saw looking back at me from the mirror. Something as simple as getting my brows done made me feel good about myself. So I decided for me, the answer is a little bit of both. I want to be beautiful for me- and if men so happen to notice and like what they see as well- then all the better.

But I wanna know what you guys think. Do you beautify yourself for yourself or do you do it to attract men?

Michael Jackson Cover Up?

I came across this YouTube video today and I must admit that it upset my peaceful Sabbath. The video poster who calls himself "The Forerunner777" insists that the papacy took advantage of the media's preoccupation (read: overkill) with MJ's death and funeral so that not many were informed about the G8 meeting taking place on the other side of the world where the Pope was proposing a New World Order be put into action. I was one of the millions of viewers watching MJ's memorial service shedding a few tears even, so upon learning this information I felt just a bit bamboozled that this event had slipped under my radar. I'm SDA so I know about all End Time prophecy and that these things must come to fruition before the Lord returns, but it was kind of unsettling to know that we are actually approaching the eve of the marriage between church and state. I felt kind of weird during the hours following my discovery and I'll admit a bit scared, but then God gently reminded me that there is no need to fear the awesome events that are to come.

The only thing that I should be afraid of is not having that personal relationship with Christ necessary for my meeting Him in peace. I appreciate "The Forerunner" bringing our attention to the occurrence of events as outlined in prophecy, but my only problem with him is that I think his fervor is a bit unsettling. Yes, the gravity of the Great Controversy is immeasurable, but I think his presentation is frightening and that it works more so to instill fear than to bring attention to God's mercy and to encourage repentance during these finals moments of the Judgement . God's Word says though, that He hasn't given us the spirit of fear but of love, power, and of sound mind.

World authorities can do whatever they want--It's in accordance with prophecy anyway, but at the end of the day it's all about an individual's personal relationship with God. We are not to fear what's going on in the world. These things are merely signs that the Lord's coming is more rapidly approaching. The Word says that all who call of the name of the Lord shall be saved. That alone should give us peace and courage to face whatever it is we are to face in the near future.

What do you think about the video?

Say what you want about Michael Jackson, but it's undeniable about the legacy of selflessness he has left. I've always loved Michael, but I'm really inspired especially now to make sure that I leave behind a legacy, an example of purpose, excellence in all things, genuine concern for the plight of others, and of selflessness that can therefore be inspiring to those who succeed me.

Thank you, Michael for using your gift for good. Rest in peace.

Cat Got Your Tongue?

Because I've seen this situation one time too many and have also experienced some level of deception by someone I thought was at least still a friend, this post has become necessary, a Public Service Announcement, if you will. LADIES, if you broke up with your man, but have agreed to remain friends, the safest thing for you to do, considering that you'll probably be the one having the harder time letting go, is to assume that you will NEVER be privy to information about him and another female. The fact of the matter is that when he's done, he's done and that he in no wise feels obligated to even simply inform you about a budding romance with another woman. Regardless of how much he tries to convince you that you two are still friends and about how much your friendship means to him, DO NOT under any circumstances make excuses for his evasive behavior. It's probably best to conclude that the relationship and friendship alike are things of the past. Take note.

I'd be lying if I said that the passing of Michael Jackson hasn't affected me. I really am saddened about his death so much so that I'm not even planning to watch the memorial service airing on TV next Tuesday. I, like millions of others, really liked him and thoroughly enjoyed his music and showmanship. Despite the never-ending scandals surrounding him and the relentless scrutiny of the media, I always thought he was an innocent man, troubled perhaps, but innocent. It's still unbelievable that he's actually gone. I'm waiting for some breaking news headline to pop up saying that the media found him hiding out on some remote, unoccupied tropical island, but I know that won't happen. Anyway, I think the world in general is suffering a huge loss. Because of his far-reaching influence the world is sort of at a stand still right now and I think that the stage has been set a man or woman of God to stand up and direct focus to the Lord during this time when everyone is listening. Michael's death was certainly shocking, but was it untimely? No one's death is truly untimely and now is a time as good as any for people, everyone to realize that it is God who controls the next and last breath we take. It's kind of scary to know that we're not truly in control of our lives, but the very best we can do is to accept God's sovereignty and commit our lives to His will. No one ever thought that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, would die at the age of 50. He probably thought he would succumb to old age, but that wasn't the plan.

Folks, let's make our peace with God today, right now. It could be our last chance to.

"Death is untimely only to those who are restrained by time."--Miss Major Substance

R.I.P. Michael

I watched Jermaine Jackson's interview with Matt from the "Today Show" this morning and it literally brought tears to my eyes. Listening to Jermaine talk about his grief about Michael's passing reminded me of how I felt when I lost my brother nearly two years ago. Of course, Shannon (my brother) wasn't as nearly as famous as the King of Pop, but he was a decent, upstanding man that took care of business and his family. He was good to everybody. He never forgot a birthday or a graduation. I can slightly relate to the Jackson's pain because Michael wasn't just someone many looked up to, he was family.

Watch the video if you haven't seen it already.

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Underrated--Tarsha' McMillan Hamilton

Bet you didn't know Anthony Hamilton was married. If so, I'll bet you didn't know she could sing. And if you may have guessed that, I'll bet you didn't know the sista could BLOW! Because of the work I do with AMBERmag.com I get tons of free books and CD's to review for the site and hers was one of them. After my interview with Anthony, I found out through his publicist that his wife, Tarsha' was also a recording artist. When the album arrived I wasted no time in popping it in to hear what she was all about. I wasn't disappointed. From the very first bar of the first song "Second to Nothing," I was arrested by her rich, contralto tone and churchy attitude. A Christian compilation, The McMillan Story is a soulful project with a dash of funk showcasing Tarsha's impressive range and heartfelt writing ability. Dubbed as "grown folks music" The McMillan Story is a mainstay in the serious listener's CD collection. Story includes a number of memorable songs, my personal favorite being "Determined." If you're looking for inspirational music with incredible vocals, check out The McMillan Story.

Visit tarshamcmillanhamilton.com for more info.