QUARANTINE LIFE: I SMILED

A group of creatives came together in support of the BET Covid Relief Fund, and sang a familiar song. 

I smiled through the whole thing. 

I realized I was smiling. It was as if my facial muscles had minds of their own, and didn’t wait for me. I didn’t have to force it.

 
The opening musical presentation of “I Smile” by Kirk Franklin and friends, including Fantasia and Kelly Price, was like a shot in the arm. 

I wasn’t even feeling badly or sad, but it made me feel better. What it set out to do worked. 

That’s the power of music, harmony, leadership, cooperation, excellence, and a drama free environment. 

Everyone can “go live”, and lately, it seems to be the thing to do. There are challenges, though, and questions that should be asked:

Is it done WELL? 

Does it reveal thoughtfulness, creativity, care, skill, honesty, heart, or self awareness of one’s actual ability or calling?

Does it have any redeeming quality?

 

Maybe those are requirements on the list of criteria for whether people will be interested in, supportive of, pass on, or reject what is being presented these days.

 
With a lot of time on our hands, perhaps we’re paying closer attention to sensory information, limiting what doesn’t edify, guarding our spirits, and demonstrating less tolerance for mediocrity and noise— sung, played, or spoken. 

I’ve noticed that the things that have moved me the most were offered by those whose presentation seemed effortless. I came away refreshed, encouraged, and inspired. 

Avery Sunshine comes to mind. Her presentation just oozes joy.

‘Rona has brought everything to a screeching halt, yet many are feverishly trying to maintain and promote, virtually, what simply wasn’t good, pleasing, helpful, genuine, or tolerable in person. Maybe this is time to reconsider, tweak, reevaluate, clean up, clean out, and perfect.

Intentions are nice--so is effort--but before asking or even demanding the attention of others, one might soberly ask, “Is what I'm offering any good?”

Fortunately, there’s a lot of goodness to be found and enjoyed.
Maybe ‘Rona has us experiencing better air quality in more ways than one.