Dear Beyoncé,

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

So Beyonce did a thing.

giphy

Yes, The Queen Bey unexpectedly dropped a video on us a couple days ago.

But no, not for a song. Or a movie, or a music video.

It was for an “athleisure” clothing line. Because, as you know, everybody and their brother is creating one.

And, in true Beyonce fashion, she had to one-up everyone. So her line, Ivy Park, is not just a clothing line. Oh no. It’s a movement.

tumblr_o4xce2i5pl1qi23pgo4_500

The video, entitled, “Where is your Park?” is a reflective, spiritual-feeling video, narrated with feeling by the Queen herself, talking about this park -Ivy Park- where she would go when she needed to think, or train, or make a tough decision, or push herself. How all her life that park was her “go-to” place, that insomanywords, gave her the power to kick a$$ and become the boss she is today.

I’m telling you…there must be something in the water to produce Queen Bey!

But I digress.

Through all the slow-mo and fiercely “bad-A” images of rain-soaked Bey flaunting her assets training, the message is clear: this park is a big part of who she was, who she is, and who she will be.

tumblr_o4x5cqORNQ1tswot7o1_1280

“The park became a state of mind. The park became my strength. The Park is what made me who I am. Where’s your park?”

You can watch it for yourself here.

And to be clear, I am a Beyonce fan. Truly. It may sound like I’m being a little harsh, but then, I just…I don’t know. Beyonce has become a religion. And it just…kinda…is a bit much for me. I enjoy her music, but I don’t worship at her altar. #CommandmentNumber2

giphy-3
So this isn’t some bash against Beyonce. Or her video that –let’s be honest– can at times feel like it’s straight out of an SNL spoof.

What struck me about the video was not the cheesy voice over, or the bootylicious figure of the Queen, or the stylish lounge wear, or the black and white motivational glamor-fitness images. What struck me was the message.

About the park.

But not in how you may be thinking. What struck me was this:

Those things that she was describing about the park being her strength, her stronghold, making her who she is, her place of solace from life’s struggles — those descriptions are not of a place.

They are of God. 

IMG_6166

I’m sorry, Beyonce. I love you, but you will not find those things at a park. Perhaps if you’re praying at the park, but the only place where you will find true shelter and strength and comfort and purpose is in a relationship with the Father. 

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior…in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalm 18:2

  

 No park — not even Central Park or the Rose Garden at the White House — can do what God does. And I should know.

When I was in the thick of my anorexia, I was truly enslaved to the voice of ED that was dictating every obsessive and destructive thought, every manipulative lie I told, every harmful behavior. I was rock bottom in a deep well and absolutely nothing could pull me out. Not my parents, my friends, my teachers, my coaches, my priest – no person, and especially no park could reach me in the deep trenches of anorexia.

IMG_9172
In fact, the memories of parks during that dark period only bring me back to painful memories of excessive secret exercise, or the park where I would drive in rage to to get away from my parents. The park was no oasis at all.

Mentally, physically, and spiritually – I was in a place where the only saving intervention would have to be divine.

From Jesus.


And praise God, He met me in that pile of broken and shivering bones curled up and afraid, and wrapped me in His arms and whispered to me my worth and gave me strength to recover, every. single. day. And still does to this day.

There is no park that can do that for you.

  
It’s a great marketing ploy, but I’m sorry, it just doesn’t work like that.

So I’d like to suggest the following, to Miss Bey: This is a great video – empowering, thought provoking, and yes, inspiring. But perhaps instead of “Where’s your Park?” the more accurate question is “WHO’S your Park?”

Published by

Unknown's avatar

beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

268 thoughts on “Dear Beyoncé,”

    2. God is the TRUE ROCK…not Jay-Z…It’s crazy how Jay-Z has all these God Names for himself…”The Rock” “Hova the God” It’s actually kind of creepy…and people just go along with it.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I feel you!!! “Beyonce has become a religion” So many people worship her its crazy. People think I’m a hater too and I’m not, I have a few of her songs but I don’t worship the ground she walks on. I thought the video was to much when I saw it a few weeks ago and I’m like oh really?!! I saw the line and the prices are way to much but ok B, do you live your life, lol. ” No park — not even Central Park or the Rose Garden at the White House — can do what God does. And I should know.” No park is capable of all of that. God is!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much! Amen to that. That’s God’s territory-not a park. And amazing things He will do! I’m with you though. I enjoy her music. I just don’t worship at her altar. Thanks for reading! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. All that effort people put into worshipping her, they should put that time and effort into God and their faith and in their own lives. Not into worshipping a celebrity that’s human. Beyonce is to much in our face. Highly over rated. That commercial is to much, lol..I only know 3 of her songs lol. Really not into her music like that. Glad someone else said something lol. I thought it was just me lol.

        Like

  3. Hi, thank you for enjoying my True God blog. But going back to Beyoncé. A lot of people worship not only her but other entertainers. We all can go to a park and pray, gather strength. People go to parks for a family outing or just for a walk. Beyoncé is very talented and she uses that talent. No, we should worship only God because only He is worthy. Take care.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Beautifully said. 🙂 I admire how you are writing your story and inspiring others through your experiences to share where you’ve been and what God has brought you from.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. AMEN!!! This was an amazing blog and I was so moved by it! Just simply stupefied by your understanding and how close I want to be with God and how I struggle each day. I am going to work harder to be closer with Him and I am so glad I stopped to read this message. Just amazing. 🙂 May God bless you.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Real Talk!!! And it takes guts with the BeyHive always Buzzing around! It HAS become a sort of religion and Beyoncé seen as a God. I just posted a little blurb/video about this if you want to check it out! #TruthTalk

    Like

Join the Conversation!