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. I absolutely love this!! Many people try to find hope in things that are not God, which is not possible. You proved it well, hearing your story is really helpful to demonstrate how your power was not found in a park but instead in the power of Jesus Christ.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. For a moment, I had a thought of you posting a video in response to Beyoncé’s marketing campaign that tells her that your park is the love of God; a video that quickly goes viral…

    I’d watch that video 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I love this. I wrote about this too BUT this is much more thoughtful. Yes she speaks of the park but like you explained she is explaining God and his greatness. I believe she will NOT say GOD because that would be too controversial. She save her thank yous to God only for accepting awards. It sucks but she is playing the political correct. Thank you for this great post. AWESOME!!!

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  11. I love that you can see something in the wider, secular culture and immediately put it in such a deeper, more meaningful context. You see the world and the universe, and even the “usual” elements of day-to-day, modern life with the eyes of grace. That is a gift! To be able to share that gift with others through your blog is a double blessing. Thank you for sharing your critical awareness and for opening my eyes to see a bit more clearly!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Such spiritual wisdom you have in a secular world. Everything you write inspires me. I look forward to receiving your posts in my ‘inbox.’ Sweet, sweet blessings to you, Sweet Girl, as you use your gift of words to lift up, encourage, and spur your readers on!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I took it she was running for exercise in the park. Many people have said they get a high from exercising and it clears their mind. Regardless, I hate to say this, but most likely the whole thing was entirely made up by some PR person to promote and sell her clothing line. Obviously, I’m not a fan of Beyoncé. As far as religion and God, if it helps you, go for it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Sheila! I think you’re right- PR was for sure behind it. And yes, you’re right about exercise. Endorphins are great-so long as you’re not a slave to exercise like I was for a long time! It’s all about balance! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Thank you–Well said!
    Michael Jordan, his shoe and clothing line, his “I believe I can fly” video… THAT was a religion too, for at least one of my friends.
    Keep speaking Jesus,
    Dave

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  15. Amen, and amen. My friend, you don’t need to look any farther for what God has in His plans for you. He is leading you, and you are following in His footsteps. I am all but certain of that. I say “all but” only because you are you, and I’m not. But, from what I am seeing – reading – you have found your niche. Not the writing, so much as the “communicating.” You are a preacher my friend. You are a Disciple of Christ, with a powerful testimony. I am trying not to envy you right now – ’cause it’s a sin. You have absolutely hit the nail on the head here. I knew exactly where you were headed from the outset. I actually added my latest Words of Wisdom installment earlier this morning and, in it, I discuss the downfall of one who inherits or attains power, but lacks the right kind of wisdom – isn’t going to the “right park,” you might say. Now, off to continue your series. Incidentally, Yours Life Matters Part II should be up in the next 2-3 days. Not sure if you had a chance to read Pt. 1. Love you my friend. Keep up the great work.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey there friend! Oh my gosh, your words are salve to my soul! Seriously. How kind. Thank you. What a small world! Awesome, I can’t wait to check it out:) see you at the park my friend 😉😉😉 hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  19. How amazing was this post!? I definitely appreciate Beyonce and all her talent but that is a little too much..there is only 1 God❤ I am new to this blogging world and I hope to use my words and platform to impact people in a way that you do!

    Like

  21. Wow! What a positive way to share your testimony of recovery! Very inspiring. I do have to say I found you by way of my Sweet Maddi Talks 2 Teens. I am her blogging mentor and coach … Lord Help Her! LOL. I too live life in recovery now 9-yrs from gambling addiction and alcohol abuse. Let’s face it, addiction is addiction no matter the type, it the behaviors, habits and the cycle that is the same. It is a disease no matter the name.

    And girls and grown women have a body issue from birth it seems. So I applaud you for sharing your story and recovery with others. Raising awareness and education is the key to shattering stigma, and to educate others who don’t understand addictions in general. I did write my story and recovery in a book that got picked up by a publisher and released in 2013. So when your book is ready? I will Promote it for you FREE! http://anauthorandwriterinprogress.wordpress.com

    That is my job and my passion, as I work from home as I suffer Agoraphobia … Stop both my blogs anytime. I am a new fan of yours and following.

    Love. Faith and Light,
    Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi there Catherine! Thank you for this :)N you’re so right. Addiction is addiction and the freedom from breaking out of that cycle is so life-giving. So glad you’ve found that freedom! Oh wow, that’s so awesome! Thank you! I’ve actually written the manuscript, I just don’t know how to get into the hands of a publisher! 😬 I’ll set check out your blogs! Sending hugs and love! Thanks for the encouragement. Xpxox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You are very welcome. And if your book is done? I would pop it on Word.Doc and I can help you find an editor. Then I have some awesome recovery publishers who maybe interested in the book. Email sometime and we can talk 🙂
        LyonMedia@aol.com

        Catherine 🙂

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  27. When I heard that Beyonce feautured in Michelle’s “Say Yes”, I went, “Halleluyah!” thinking that it’s only a matter of time before she, like the parabolical prodigal son, would come home to her first love. Maybe those I thought to be mere skeptics are right after all in warning against Christian acceptance of the very beautifully
    captivating song. In the first picture of
    Beyonce in this post (I believe I know I’m correct), she looks like a promoter of a movement. In the second, is she not in a cage of some sort? Christians are no longer of the old testamentary ‘fold’ of an enclosure of the ‘law’. We are a ‘flock’
    of believers with full liberty. The third
    picture of her is of a one seemingly free
    but still under an unpalatable domination, hence, Jesus is not the Rock of defence. The balance of spirituality, in such parks, will emanate from Humanistic point of understanding. Dear Beautybeyondbones, I’ve enjoyed this post. More grace to your enbows. Jesus, only Jesus is the Lord.

    acceptance of the beautiful song.

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    1. Thank you so much for this beautiful and thoughtful reflection! You bring up some awesome things here! And i didn’t realize that about the images but you’re so right! And amen-Jesus is Lord! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  28. “Who’s your park?” definitely has a better ring to it. Only in Christ will we ever find the strength we need to get through the hardest of times, and the place we must remember when life seems to be going right along as planned.

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  29. I love this! Love, love, love this! I’ve been on a fitness/health journey for the last few months to attempt to address some chronic illness issues. The Lord keeps reminding me, “The pounds or inches lost or the cookie you didn’t eat are not your safety or security or identity.” It doesn’t matter if I walk 6 miles today or 6 inches in terms of His love for me, and that’s what counts in the end!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Marie! Aw, thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Oh gosh, chronic illness. I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with that. I have ulcerative colitis, which is an auto immune disease, so I totally get what you’re dealing with. Hang in there. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Amen to that — His love for you just IS. There’s nothing we can do to influence it. thanks for stopping by! hugs and love xox

      Like

  31. That video made me think a lot, too and you know what – I’ve reached the same conclusion for myself about that “park” not being a physical place but God himself! Great article.

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  32. I agree – but for me it IS a where. God is always with me and me with him, but I find that I am more able to hear and connect, and spend special one on one time with him at certain places, like in the woods, amongst the trees, and yes – quiet moments in City Park, NOLA – especially since my son was born. I need that place to go to to just be alone with my spirituality and source. For my mother it is a cold, extremely large building filled half with true hearts and half with option aged and judgment filled ones. I can’t do that one. Just can’t do it. But, to each his own when it comes to spirituality and practices. I can totally see where you’re going with this post, though, and agree for the most part about the marketing ploy… Really enjoyed reading and the way you put your blogs together. ☺️❤️❤️

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    2. Thank you so much! That’s so awesome that you’ve found that connection with God through nature. That’s truly amazing. You bring up a lot of great points. There really is something to be said about finding your quiet place to be with God-be it a special corner of your house, at church, or outdoors. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  33. Amen! I did not watch the video or know anything about it. Not much of a pop music fan, lol. So while I was reading your post I was thinking she is describing God to me. God is my park! I am so glad that you have found peace in God and are recovering. I will keep you in my prayers. Keep it up girl! 🙂

    God bless,

    MarieW

    Like

  34. Hey! I always love your posts, they’re awesome! 😉 So, Beyonce is starting a clothing line? Cool! I think I might try to find it and look through it… ❤ I think I also might try to find the video as well. It's always so nice to stop by! Lots of love, ML ❤

    Like

  35. On your last post it will not let me comment. “April Showers.” It keeps giving me the message that this sight is not secure??? Just some FYI for you. Love and God Bless, SR

    Like

  36. This post was certainly worth the read. I must say that I admire your courage to speak the truth to her regarding her video. I do believe that in our culture today, famous people do tend to become idols, especially for our young people. Kind of like Oprah did. Keep speaking the truth, those that want to heart it will receive it.

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    1. Thank you so much! That really means a lot. You’re right. They become worshiped by the media and fans. It’s good to keep it in perspective. Yes. They’re talented, but just people. Thanks for stopping by:) hugs! Xox

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Yes, you are onto something here. I watched the video. Creepy vibe. The park is a dark place. She is encouraging a dissociative state – rather than integration of body mind and spirit. There are speculations out there that Beyonce is a victim of ‘mind control’. The controller creates a honeycomb mind through abuse and trauma. Honeycomb = bee.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. Insightful. Not really a fan of Beyonce nor her marketing/ PR stunts, but everyone has the right to do and believe what they think is best. Like Sheila said: if it helps you, go for it. Again, great post and thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

  40. This was a really insightful read!

    Doesn’t Beyonce have that other fashion line too though? House of Dereon or whatever, lol…

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    2. From my understanding House of Dereon has always been Beyoncé’s Mother’s Clothing line…Beyoncé just wore it and advertised for her mom.

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  43. When I told a shamanic healer that I was trying to change the modality of the world, he prompted “There are two paths on that journey: the path of the illusionist and the path of the priest.”

    The goal of the illusionist is to redirect belief to concentrate power with the illusionist. Most of the entertainment industry is organized around the practices of the illusionist.

    The goal of the priest (as I understand it) is to facilitate the encounter with God. Thank-you for this defense of it.

    BTW: My response was “I spent a lot of time crying.”

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    1. Thanks for this reflection. I think you bring up a great point-the world today has its eyes fixed on all these other things. I find that the only way I can get through this crazy thing called life is by keeping my eyes on Him. Thanks for stopping by Brian! Hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Methinks that my compliment was a shade too subtle. I love the way you get us to laugh about things, and see the beauty in struggle. It broadens the narrow road.

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  44. Hi my friend. Hope your well. Listened to the content of her video without watching it then watched it. Her work is truly dark and satanic. God bless you! Keep praising Jesus.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi friend, this for this perspective. I appreciate your feedback! I personally don’t think she’s satanic, I just wanted to offer another way to think about her video Hope your week is off to a great start! Hugs and love xox

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  49. Absolutely love this blog… It strikes the core of what some of us choose to follow. We need to give God the glory and honor and stop objectifying and attaching our strength, peace, and blessings to things of this world.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Yes!!!!!!! I love this post so so much. I am not a Beyonce fan. But that’s not why I love this song much. I love it because you speak truth. So many are idolising “superstar ” and not the Maker of all things. Worship the Creator…not the creation (who any a times has lost their way). Fantastic post!

    Liked by 1 person

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