Dear Beyoncé,

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

There’s something really beautiful about humility.

I’ve been kind of on a pop culture “fast” recently. Not by choice…

Ever since my mom had her stroke over Christmas, we literally haven’t turned on the TV. Which is crazy, considering how glued I was to the news during the election.

But for whatever reason, tonight my parents and I decided to watch the Grammy’s.

And that may or may not have been because I thought the Biebs was performing 🙂

But I digress.

Going into the night, I had obviously heard about Beyoncé‘s attention-grabbing nude pregnancy photo shoot, but to be honest, I have so many (more important) things to occupy my time right now.

But her Grammy’s performance…..daaaaaang.

I honestly had to take a moment to collect myself afterwards.

And not because I was so moved by her “brilliance.”


I needed to just get away from the sheer glorification of self we collectively had to witness.

Now, let me begin by saying this: I have nothing against the Queen Bey. I love her music. But I’ve always said, “I don’t worship at her altar.” – Kind of half-kidding.


But tonight….that was actually literally accurate, as Beyoncé was adorned and bedecked in a full on personification of a cross between a Hindu goddess and the blessed Virgin Mary, complete with a golden, saintly crown (that was eerily similar to a monstrance.)


My dad watched 30 seconds and said, “This is making a mockery of religion,” as he got up and left the room.

But that’s for another post. I’m not even going to go into that tonight.

What irked me about the performance was that she chose to portray herself as a literal deity.

Since being home with my mom, I’ve been spending, literally, every waking hour with her – from 6am until I pass out at 11pm. (That is, unless I’m up until 1am writing a post!)

But I’ve been my mom’s “wingwoman” – attending all of her bible studies and book clubs and social gatherings with her.

And Friday morning, we were at book club, and the book was The Hidden Power of Kindness.

And uncannily, the chapter they were on was on caring for the sick.

I kid you. Frickin. Not.


But there was a powerful line in the book that said, “Sickness makes people more humble.”

Beyoncé’s performance tonight, it was all about motherhood, as she just announced last week that she was expecting twins.

So this performance was a celebration of womanhood and specifically, motherhood – and elevating herself to goddess-status because of her pregnancy state.

But I’m here to tell you – what I’ve learned from my own mother in this season helping her recover from her stroke, is that the most powerful “glorification of motherhood” is when she is the most meek and humble.

In fact, the best exemplification and celebration of mothers would never be the glorification and deification of self, but rather, humbling oneself and serving and loving others.

Seeing my mom, in this vulnerable state, she has never been more beautiful to me. Ever.

All her life, she has never asked to be “adored” or “worshiped” because of her status as “mother.” In fact, just the opposite. She has always sought to give of herself to others. And even now, when she can’t really do that at the moment, that humility makes her all the more beautiful and lovable.


There was just such a stark contrast between seeing Beyoncé, adorned in a golden halo crown and dressed as a deity, glorifying herself because she’s a mother and a woman; and then looking over at my beautiful mother, fighting for her life to regain her memory and her speech after her stroke. That woman, is worthy of all the praise in the world, and yet would never ask for it, nor covet it.

I’m not bashing Beyoncé. Truly, I’m not. She’s talented and I’m sure, a terrific mother to Blue, and the babies in her belly. This is not meant to be a judgment on that. It is merely an observation.

Looking at my mother tonight, on the couch, concentrating on absorbing the sights and sounds coming at her from the TV, – she was absolutely radiant, giving Beyoncé a run for her money.

There’s something really beautiful about humility.

________________________________________________________________
Stay Connected!
@beauty.beyond.bones – Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

A big thank you to my new sponsor, BetterHelp Online Therapy.  Speak with an online therapist. Or check out content about eating disorders from BetterHelp.

Please check out my affiliate partners! Doing so helps you, and it helps me 🙂 Amazon, Reebok, NatureBox, Sunbasket, WPengine Webhosting, Warby Parker, Masterclass

patreon

Thank you for considering supporting BBB on Patreon! You make this blog possible 🙂

Published by

Unknown's avatar

beautybeyondbones

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

493 thoughts on “Dear Beyoncé,”

  1. I loved your post. Hope your mom get well soon. I, too, watched the Grammy’s (not from the beginning) but I started watching during Bruno Mars’ first performance, and to me that was the best show of all and the only thing worth watching out of the whole Grammy-agenda. It was one crazy Grammy for sure 🙂

    Like

  2. I also found it difficult to finish Beyoncé’s performance. I was very confused by it all and figured it was just me due to my being out of touch with what’s cool, I personally don’t prefer her music. Loved reading your insights!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I love this! What a wonderful illustration of the contrast between self-glorification and humble servanthood. So glad that you appreciate the beauty and blessing that is your mom. Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I didn’t watch the Grammy’s, but I gotta say I love your honesty, girl. And your humor. May Abba give you and your mom strength and fill with his love as and patience as she recovers. I’m gonna be thinking about that book now. Sounds good. 💕

    (Also, I grew up in Ohio so I find this kinda cool you’re from there too. Random I know, lol.)

    Like

  9. I loved your post and completely agree with your interpretation of Beyonce’s performance. Thank you for sharing things that are personal to you. I hope your mother gets better soon. She is lucky to have you by her side in this time of trial.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I learned meekness and humility later in life, and learned that things work out much better for me when I can admit that I don’t know everything and I’m not perfect, lol.
    Good luck to you and your family- health issues are incredibly taxing.

    Like

    1. Hi Joss! Thank you so much for this awesome perspective. That’s so true – when we can admit and accept that we’re not perfect, life gets a lot easier! Thanks for your kind words for my family. Means a lot. Hugs to you xox

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Hi! I have nominated you for the Liebster Award! Check out my latest blog post for the details! I hope you accept and carry this award on! Have a great day!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much David! Glad this hit home with you 🙂 yeah long days for sure. Gotta admit…not used to getting up at 6!! Haha but it’s all good. If that’s what I’m called to do in this season that’s what I’ll do. Hugs and love xox

      Like

  23. Being a weekly committed adorer…this would have broken my heart to watch. Mother Mary pray for us…. (Another wonderful post. And I am certain you are as much a blessing to your Mom, as she is to you!) Hugs & Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

  26. OMG…..When I saw that very same image, like your dad, I walked away because it was irreverent. Self promotion and sensationalism is all I saw, if you have to emulate someone else and use religious symbols to do it, to me it’s sacrilegious. I wonder what would have happened if she used symbols from other religions? Christians have become a very easy target because we turn the other cheek.(Matthew5:39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.) Jesus said in Matthew 12:37 For by your words and actions you will be acquitted, and by your words and actions you will be condemned.” I rest my case. God bless ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  27. I said the very same thing as your dad, yes!!!! I saw the monstrance, yes!!!! I saw a copy cat madonna. I had to walk away because it was so distasteful and irreverent. I wonder what would have happened if symbols from other religions were used? I say if you have to stoop to that level to self promote and to sensationalise your brand name, then it’s cheap and sacrilegious. Let’s see what Matthew 12:36 says ….But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. and more in Matthew 12:37 For by your words and actions you will be acquitted, and by your words and actions you will be condemned.” I rest my case. God bless ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much for this thoughtful response. Those are definitely some powerful words from the Bible. yikes. Yeah, that’s a really interesting thought…what would have happened if it was mocking another religion? Makes you wonder..thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox

      Like

  28. Hah, this all reminds me of the saying, ‘the devil has no creativity,’ or something like that. All he can do is imitate the Truth; use God’s good-intended creation for evil; form false religions with elements of Christianity.

    Not to say that Beyoncé is demonic, of course, but what her self-portrayal is evidence of a similar lack of cosmic originality, whether she realizes it nor not.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh my gosh isn’t that so true – imitate the Truth. My goodness, that really rings true! And very true – Beyoncé is a good person, her choice to self-deify herself was just an ill one. Thanks for your great insight! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  34. I like those glasses. Oh, so she’s married to someone that believed he was the second coming of Christ. It was after his best friend was shot in front of him he called himself Jay Hova. There’s also his friend Yeezus, that’s another Jesus…Jesus’s? No idea. It’s bad on Beyonce to include the religious references especially since her father is a preacher. I didn’t see it but I guess she’s portraying Mary? But, she’s already married to, Jay Hova. Art is supposed to challenge paths of thinking but when it’s like this it’s incomplete. It could be anything but it does look a little, goofy.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I agree. Popular music tends to be all inclusive and all religions have been damaged in the public eye. It’s good to be defensive, it’s natural it’s actually better to understand though. Like, Madonna did something similar and a tour followed.

        Like

      3. I think we’re seeing pop culture reinventing itself as religion. It may have been the next step as television took over reality.

        Like

      9. I was reading a research paper on weak ties and strong ties. Now, our strong tie is our faith but our weak tie is our physical bodies. I don’t know, you. You know? A popular person in social media, or media, can transcend that weak tie boundary. Like, businesses on Instagram. Do I really want them to be, my friend? Comment on my family pictures ? Without defining, something that’s important to a group. It’s odd, this public private life.

        Like

      15. College, sounds fun. Although, with the first amendment getting tossed around it might not be as, liberal. Oo! I said the L word. haha

        Like

      1. Art does have a cultural narration. Although, some art as religious critique turns hypocritical as the art piece loses itself in the performance. Maybe, she had an interesting idea… as we are all kind of lost as to what it was.

        Liked by 1 person

  36. Many thanks for liking my recent posts, you’re very kind. So I checked out your blog and found this beauty! You are so right! I’ve long felt that her spiritual position was entirely opposed to everything Jesus died for, and thus completely indefensible. And I would also include Madonna, Katy Perry, and so many others…way beyond the line! So keep your heart in that good place and keep sharing. Bless you, I loved it.

    Liked by 2 people

  37. Oh my darling Caralyn, I am with you on this 110%.

    There was one song – Survivor! That’s it! “All the single ladies…” Never mind. I don’t know what makes people think they are gods. Seriously, who died and made her/them god/s! I have never even heard Lemonade? I have drunk it though. I don’t like Adele’s Hello either but I’m all for classic and a die-hard Bon Jovi fan so that explains it. I do listen to Taylor Swift as she seems to be my 4 1/2 year old’s favorite. I love Jessie J. I like Katy Perry. As Santana (?) said, and many people can disagree with me, that’s fine, Beyonce can perform but it’s possible the performance is to “filter” the singing that is not quite Adele’s. She is probably better than J.Lo to so many (I still love J.Lo) but they’re the same – it’s performance. It’s too much skin shown. Almost like Madonna, but Madonna was actually bloody brilliant! 🙂

    Motherhood and womanhood isn’t as per Beyonce’s display; it is in the daily nuisances, in the humility, as you said. It is in the mother’s love, a woman’s love. What she was showing was for some of us – yes – blasphemy.

    I know you’re in the industry, and I do like movies, theater, music, etc., but I think that Hollywood taints the art, sometimes.

    Lotsa love my dear friend, to you and your mom. God bless always.

    PS
    I would like to re-blog this please, if you don’t mind. Then, I’ll just copy my comment as my introduction to the re-blogged post. 🙂

    Like

    1. Thanks so much for this thoughtful response, Anne. I love J Lo too 🙂 hehe You’re so right – motherhood is all about the self-sacrifice. Giving. I mean, even just the physicality of it in itself — giving of your body for 9 months, gaining weight, morning sickness, hormone changes, no sleep, changing dirty diapers — it is a *gift of self.* That humility that is that giving is what should be celebrated. I don’t know. It was a head scratcher that rubbed me the wrong way. And yes! i would be honored if you were to reblog it! thank you so much! have an awesome weekend! hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh yay! Soul sisters, that’s what we are now. Thanks to J Lo 🙂
        Thanks so much, my dear friend. You have an awesome weekend, too. Much love and hugs xxx

        Like

  38. Insightful layered post Caralyn– Loved the tenderness and respect you have for your mom– the beauty of her in these days of need and how you are sharing them with her… My mother had 2 strokes in November and is doing better than we’d hoped–but it is a process. God keep you and your dear mother in the weeks ahead. thankful for your wise words…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much Rhonda! I really appreciate your kind words. And gosh, I’m so sorry to that about your mom. I’m glad she’s on the up and up. I’ll definitely keep her and you and your family in my heart and prayers. Much love my friend xox

      Like

  40. This was such a beautiful post about your mom. I love reading about how you both get the blessing of this time together not just as mother and daughter or friends but as caregiver and one needing care. I know it isn’t always easy but you are so right about how this is a true testament to motherhood. To have come full circle with your precious mom and to grow ever deeper in your relationship with her, you are truly blessed. Cherish this season with your Mom, and all the coming seasons as the Lord leads you through this journey together. I will keep you both in my prayers for your mom’s continued progress and for your strength. Thank you fro sharing this vulnerable, special time with us, your insights are an inspiration to read as they point us back always to relying on God our Father to lead and guide us.

    I didn’t watch the program you discussed but I saw the pictures in this post and on other sights on the web. The vanity and self centeredness of people today is rampant, it’s a me world and many celebrities feed of that. It’s one reason I don’t listen to pop music, preferring to listen to artists that praise God more than themselves, edifying music that focuses my mind and spirit on my Lord and Savior – not the things of this world. But I have heard her songs in passing on the radio and back years ago when we had cable tv and she can sing, just wish she would us her God given talent to glorify her Maker not herself.

    Continue treasuring (it shows that you do) this time of your lives, soak in every moment of it, may both of you grow in your already strong faith in God as you grow in your love for each other. The love between parent and child, particularly mother and daughter, is priceless. And thank you for allowing us your readers to share in it, sharing your blessings with us.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks so much:) that’s such great advice – yes, this is such a precious time with my mom. I’m not taking it for granted in the slightest. Thanks so much for your prayers and support and encouragement. It really means a lot. Hugs and love xox

      Like

  41. Actually, I was sort of annoyed with how her and Jay-z announced their first pregnancy. Was it at the Grammy’s? I believe it was. I didn’t know why at the time – it just felt wrong. And probably very difficult for the thousands of women out there who are unable to conceive. I mean come one… yes, pregnancy and becoming a mother is a beautiful thing. I get that – I’m a mother. But to glorify it like that – it’s just not in good taste. Your mom is lucky to have you. And I agree with your post.

    Glad I missed the Grammy’s. I was too busy watching The Walking Dead.

    Liked by 2 people

  42. Reblogged this on I think, I say, I do and commented:
    While many will not be happy and/or see this point of view, these two bloggers (C and I) see eye to eye on this matter and I do believe that there are many women and mothers who see and understand our perspective.

    My comment (most of it):
    I am with you on this 110%.
    There was one song – Survivor! That’s it! “All the single ladies…” Never mind. I don’t know what makes people think they are gods. Seriously, who died and made her/them god/s! I have never even heard Lemonade? I have drunk it though. I don’t like Adele’s Hello either but I’m all for classic and a die-hard Bon Jovi fan so that explains it. I do listen to Taylor Swift as she seems to be my 4 1/2 year old’s favorite. I love Jessie J. I like Katy Perry. As Santana (?) said, and many people can disagree with me, that’s fine, Beyonce can perform but it’s possible the performance is to “filter” the singing that is not quite Adele’s. She is probably better than J.Lo to so many (I still love J.Lo) but they’re the same – it’s performance. It’s too much skin shown. Almost like Madonna, but Madonna was actually bloody brilliant! 🙂
    Motherhood and womanhood isn’t as per Beyonce’s display; it is in the daily nuisances, in the humility, as you said. It is in the mother’s love, a woman’s love. What she was showing was for some of us – yes – blasphemy.
    I know you’re in the industry, and I do like movies, theater, music, etc., but I think that Hollywood taints the art, sometimes.

    To my beautiful friend, a huge thanks to you for sharing this, your view.

    Like

  44. Well said and I could not agree more. I, too, took care of my mother and she was radiant with love when surrounded by her children. I’m also a mother and I love being my son’s mom. However, I seek no glory or praise for motherhood, the joy of watching my son become the man he was born to be is enough. How insightful of you to pickup on the subtle message behind Beyonce’s attire. Blessings to you for caring for your mother.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much Savannah. It sounds like you’re an awesome mom and daughter to you mother. Yeah, there’s a radiance that shine when our hearts are full of love. It’s really beautiful to see. Thanks for the encouragement and for taking the time to read. Big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  48. Love this, and you’re dead on. Spiritual speaking I can go on and on. None of this is by coincidence. This is a spiritual battle against light and darkness, but here’s a spoiler alert—The Light wins in the end.

    Liked by 2 people

  50. Yes, FINALLY someone agrees with me. I was so angry when she tried to steal the Superbowl halftime show away from my favorite band, Coldplay. Humility is the best policy! Xoxo, Ash

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to beautybeyondbones Cancel reply