Tonight I was glued to Instagram on the Verzuz TV Instagram live page. This page was created by hip-hop moguls Swizz Beats and Timbaland. They created a platform where major African-American musical artist get to share their musical platform. Verzuz TV showcases two artist who share so many songs in their musical catalog. The two featured artist showcased tonight were Ms. Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight. Their songs span over sixty plus years in the music industry. The energy and mood that resonated from the internet waves while watching the two artist made you feel so many emotions. It made you feel happy, joyful, blissful, and inspired. Not only did I feel an array of emotions but you had celebrities and notable figures watching who conveyed their feelings of joy and nostalgia as well. Celebrities such as the Mrs. Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Jill Scott, Gabriel Union, Missy Elliot, Big Freedia, Anthony Anderson, Tyrese, and so many others.
However, not only did auntie Pattie and auntie Gladys have many of their hits played but they dropped so many gems. They encouraged all of us to vote. Gladys Knight talked about how we need to get rid of strife and come together as a nation. The two discussed how they supported each others music and how they were friends. Yes, the music was special and touched our souls but their words did that too. Although, I was being entertained by these two artist tonight, I was also moved in my soul.
One other person I know who had this type of soul moving power was my mom. Some people just have the gift of giving. They give of themselves tirelessly. My mother Dorothy M. Whitmire gave of herself too. My mom’s name was never in lights like Patti Labelle or Gladys Knight but those she came in contact with she lit up their lives. My mom had a way of connecting with people on a deep level like these two iconic figures did tonight. Everyone does not have that ability. Gladys and Patti did and my mom surely did too.
I have always loved having conversations with older people as they possess so much wisdom and life experiences to share. Patti and Gladys told stories tonight as many of our late African ancestors have done. My mom was a storyteller too. It would behoove you to find a seasoned senior to listen too. They surely can enrich your life!
Not every person will have a famous name, however every person who gives of themselves will be remembered forever. Long after Patti and Gladys leave this Earth they will be remembered for giving of their gifts to this world. We will never forget those who gave of themselves to us. It could be two famous artist such as Patti and Gladys. Or it could be someone like my mom or a teacher, mentor, pastor, neighbor, auntie or friend. Let us learn to give of our gifts to the world and as the late Myles Munroe said, let us die empty. May we have the courage to pour out from our souls and share pearls of wisdom with others because it makes the world such a better place.
My mom was a giver and she taught me to give. In her honor I am offering a scholarship in her name to help a single mother who is pursuing her education. We must always keep giving. Go to www. TarinnaOlley.com/events for the application.
Tarinna Olley