The National Association of Black Journalists hosted its convention in Detroit with their guest speaker being highly decorated Tyler Perry. After viewing the short film of Tyler Perry’s career being documented, he came on stage and delivered some words of encouragement, and I am not going to take the time to reflect on some of the things that he said that touched my heart.
“Give the hand up and [don’t wait] for a handout”
I personally believe that when you get out of a poor life situation and start excelling in life and fulfilling your purpose, you need to reach back and bring someone else out of their situation. If our black community had this mindset, we would be more well off as a community than we are now. We can’t tell people how and what to spend their money on, but if there is a community that brought you up, and you forget about them, their work was in vain.
“High-risk endurance”
High-risk endurance is stepping out on faith. Tyler talked about how his parents were too afraid to step out on faith and expand their style of living. This mentality is something that I truly want to work towards. I think about the cons more than the pros and sometimes the pros outweigh the cons because I’m always thinking of what-ifs. But if you keep living your life on what-ifs, you never truly live a life.
Overall, I admire the hustle of Tyler Perry and the fact that he found his purpose in life from a talent he has and continues to bless the black community. I have a new level of admiration for him, and I cannot wait to see what the next chapter of his life has in store for him.
Comments