The LizHepburn

In honor of her birthday, we chose Nina Simone to be included in our “Women We Love Wednesdays.” We love her for her talents, the music she gave us, and for her bravery in speaking out against racism as well as proving that women are strong and capable of doing anything. Here are some more facts about this legendary woman:

* Her real name is  Eunice Kathleen Waymon

* She was a child prodigy, playing piano by ear at the age of 3

* Instead of making music for success, she decided to use her music to channel social change

* She produced over 40 albums

* She studied Johann Sebastian Bach as a young child and described herself as a black classical musician 

I’ve been on search for beauty

For something that makes me feel alive

For something that makes me feel different.

I’ve been wandering in circles,

Hoping to find answers to all those questions.

But I’ve been so comfortable in my circle.

Contentment turned to safety net.

The beauty around me slowly dying,

Waiting for my touch.

But I’ve been so comfortable,

In my own circle of darkened fear.

Maybe I’ve been losing my sight,

Or my mind. Like I can’t remember what beauty is.

Like I can’t remember what makes me come alive.

Sometimes I am reminded but that moment is brief.

My comfort turned into chains that have held me captive.

I watch life go on without me because I’ve said too many times,

“Tomorrow.” Dear God, have I lost You? Have I lost my purpose?

Is it too late for me to start again? Because change, my Lord, it’s hard for me.

This thing they call bravery, it’s a heavy badge to wear.

Its one step forward, two steps back, but I should be proud of that one step.

Because You are proud, God. In my wandering and searching, You keep calling.

You are always with me…even if I feel myself disappear.

Strength isn’t in the victory. Strength is when you’re drowning in your feelings of failure,

But choose to start swimming. Why? Because you know there’s more. You know there’s beauty to be found.

Beauty that will make you come alive. And when you become alive, the world rejoices.

The world needs you. The world is waiting. Come out of your comfort, away from your fears,

To love easily, fiercely, freely—but to trust cautiously

To show courage, bravery—but be willing to ask for help

To listen well, to be understanding—but stick to my beliefs

To forgive others but to first forgive myself

To meditate and find my truth, but to let everything else go

To desire to learn, but to not waste time on something that isn’t useful

To put down my phone when my soul is tired

To walk with my head held high, because there is beauty to see

To be proud of who I am, but not to be ashamed of who I was

To love the Lord with everything I have and remember I am never alone

To be patient with my growth and to not judge my timing with someone else’s

To be joyful for others and to not feel failure

To allow myself to be heard and remember that I have a voice and no one can speak for me

To remember that I am blessed

To protect myself when necessary

To remember that worldly beauty is fleeting

To pray

To push myself when everything inside of me is saying “no”