Dear Beyoncé,

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

So Beyonce did a thing.

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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.

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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.

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“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

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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. 

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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.

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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?”

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beautybeyondbones

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

268 thoughts on “Dear Beyoncé,”

  1. Lol I love this post!! It’s very true , I can’t say anything I want to say around a fan without being corrected and given a fact sheet of how perfect her and her music . I can’t find that stuff in a park either 😒Just dogs walking with their owners trying to get close to me and I’m trying to remain calm 😳Lol

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Beautiful and I could not of said it any better. What an inspiration you have to be to others going through the same thing. Thanks from them for doing this post! Love and God Bless, SR

    Liked by 2 people

      1. I did. It’s not that I dislike her, but she is so much bigger than life. . . I appreciate your essay.
        Blessings, Laurie

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Yeah, I see what she’s doing. It’s a complete marketing campaign. It may have NLP (neuro linguistic programming) in the words she is using. Her brand IVY Park…repeating the word park over and over. I mean nice story and visuals, but I always feel so let down when there is a beautiful story and then in the end they are attempting to sell me. So much selling today. Have you noticed the different types of cults out there? Pyramid marketing schemes are cult-like. Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi friend! You’re right–SO MUCH selling today! Hmm to be honest, I haven’t. I’m not in marketing or anything like that, so I don’t really feel like I have the authority to speak on it! But I know the message behind this video, although close to the truth, kinda missed the mark. Thanks for this perspective! Sending hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I can’t say I ever really cared about her or her music prior to the Super Bowl this year. After that Political Little Showin’ she’ll never get my attention in MY House…”Hold’em Hook”!…..BG>

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Amen. Amen. And Amen.

    I have mentioned the importance of the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral. I have mentioned the importance of the Urban Garden at Grace Episcopal. And I have mentioned my wonderful new old home here at 5022. But each and every garden, haven, and place of solace and inspiration was what it was because of Who was there with me. Thank you, Jesus. And thank you, dearest, for pointing that out to Beyonce and to all of us. It is not where. It is not how. It is not what. It is Who.

    I never used to understand people who talked about Jesus this way…and now I am one. Go figure…thanks be to God and to God be the Glory.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Okay, I’m doing it. I’m pushing my way through the crowd of so many people you have supporting you and commenting as I have wanted to do before.

    I really like how you took a Beyonce ad and made it into a wonderful message of the God. Well, countered the ad into a message. You have such an amazing story also. I do read your posts and many of them really touch me, but there are always so many people already liking them and commenting, I always figure, “Why bother?” I know, it’s stupid. I should have stopped in and said “Hello” long ago.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha hi Matthias! So glad you took the plunge and commented! ☺️☺️ it seriously means so much that people take time to read and respond, so thank YOU! I appreciate your thoughtful encouragement, and for reading my posts. So a big proper “hello!” to you too❤️😎 hope you have a great night! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Thanks for a wonderful post. I am so grateful for people like you who are grounded in the Word of God and who inspire others. We never know why we go through different experiences in life, but God knows everything and sees the whole picture. Thank you for being a voice of truth. Blessings.

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  26. Great post. So true on all counts. She may be talented, but there a lot of talented people that never make it because they are not willing to worship themselves, their industry, their agents etc. We are to worship God alone and only the light of Christ can meet us in that dark place of loneliness, fear, suffering, anger or pain. Praise be to God, He gets all the glory! So glad He called you to share.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. I was really worried at the beginning of this post but I love the turn you took with it to bring it back to what’s important, that being a deep connection with God. Mainstream media has replaced God with so many other things. Thanks for this post and reminding people what’s important! 🙂

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  32. Great post 🙂 You are so right 🙂 True shelter (in this case psychological) does not come in the form of a place, but from a spiritual order which in this case is Jesus our Savior as you imply. Based on what I have observed over the years, I have often seemed more at peace after attending church than any other social gathering strangely enough. Make no mistake, I feel joyous at any gathering, but with church their is something special. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂

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    1. Hey there John! Thanks. That’s so true. There’s something about gathering with a community that’s purpose is to worship our savior that truly brings joy and peace to the soul. Nothing quite can compare. God is good! Thanks, as always, for sharing your wonderful insight. I’m grateful for you, friend! Hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  33. I was thinking the same thing as you! You expressed it so much better than I could have, however. Thanks so much for sharing your story and your faith with everyone. You have no idea how many people you are helping through your transparency, humility and honesty. God bless you!

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    1. Hi Elaine! thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! It really means a lot. You’ve made my heart so full tonight. cheesy, I know, but it’s true. thank you, friend:) have a great rest of your night! hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Wonderfully put, great point!

    Warm embrace from Bucharest and may the light of God shine upon you always.

    Andreea

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  37. Great blog as always!
    I just showed my 2 year old son the video (I don’t usually let him watch adverts) but all it did was make him want to go to the local play park x

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  39. Wow, the thing is, her park is the medium with which she expresses herself, everyone watching the video of her, that’s her nirvana.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi friend! Great point. There’s a lot of truth in what you say. I can’t imagine what it must be like to have 64million eyes on you at all times. But I guess, like you said, that’s her nirvana. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love! Xox

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  40. Well done, Beauty! While you like her music, I’m glad you haven’t been sucked into her message of self. Keep on the straight and true as you have, and keep pointing the way!

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    1. Hey hey Jeffrey! Thank you:) that’s very kind of you to say. And good advice! The straight and true it is! Yeah, she’s got great beats and music, but that’s as far as it goes for me 🙂 thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a fantastic Tuesday! Sending hugs from NYC! Xox

      Liked by 1 person

  41. I’m seeing a BBB video with you, the beautiful star, ‘working out’ in fear and trembling at the foot of the cross in stylish ‘God gear.’ At the end the sales pitch isn’t a sales pitch at all it is cry out for viewers to return to God. This video doesn’t really need to be produced, it was played in my mind as I read this post. Perhaps it is an inspiration for a praise and worship song …

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    1. Hi there! Haha on my gosh you’ve got me smiling this morning! God Gear! I like it! What an idea for a video! Can you imagine?!! Thanks for stopping by, friend! Have a beautiful Tuesday! Keep “working out!” 😉 😉 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  42. Good Morning BBB!
    Awesome blog! Be careful not to get to involved in Beyoncé’s entertainment! She’s darkness. There’s plenty out on the Internet about her regarding this, so I won’t go there today. The Lord will help you discern….He already has! 😉
    Love/Hugs ❤

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    1. Gooood mornin’! 😎 thank you! And thanks for the word of caution. You’re right-gotta keep my eyes on the Lord. It’s a slippery slope! Thanks for stopping by and saying hi☺️ hugs and love xox

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  43. Love this! Beautifully written and so true! Following Queen Bey has become a religion for some people. Our microwave, quick fix society is always looking for someone or something tangible to believe in. The problem with that is people are not perfect and they can’t always be there when you need them. Jesus doesn’t make mistakes and He will never leave or forsake us. Who is your park? Mine is definitely Jesus! Thanks for sharing.

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  45. Firstly: Haven’t actually watched the video cuz I just don’t care what celebs are doing usually (I know, I’m a terrible human being and so forth), so my first impressions are coming from what you quoted of it. And my first impressions run the same as yours; that whole nonsense about “the park being my strength’ and all gets my blood boiling.
    Secondly: I get what she means, cuz I love to go outside and get away from it all when it all gets to be too much. But on my darkest days, nature itself isn’t what’s healing me, or giving me hope or comfort. It’s God. The birds and the trees are JUST birds and trees without Him.
    And finally: you make all these graphics yourself? Good grief that’s awesome!

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    1. Thank you so much! I so feel you! I do love being in nature, and I do feel calm and inspired when I’m outside–but that’s because I’m seeing God in the mountains and the trees and the wildlife. Just like you said:it’s God. And thank you! Yes, I love making the images! It’s a fun creative outlet for me:) I appreciate your affirming words! Hugs and love xox

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  49. I dwell in the secret place of the Most High and I abide under the shadow of the almighty.
    I know the personal Jesus because He rescued me from a dark place where no one else could reach me. He reached into the dark murky waters and pulled me out.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Tessa, on behalf of both of us, I thank Jesus for coming in search for us when we were in deep dark muddy places. The sunshine is a much nicer place to be, don’t you think?

      Liked by 1 person

  50. WOW. I like the direction you took this. If God is not in our secret place what relief would we actually find?

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