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.

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beautybeyondbones

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

493 thoughts on “Dear Beyoncé,”

      1. You are so welcome! I wish more of society would open their eyes to this… I didn’t watch the Grammy’s and I’m not really into pop culture for this reason. Don’t get me wrong, like anyone else I enjoy the entertainment everyone in a while, but I think pop culture overall isn’t having a very ‘positive’ influence on society. Big hugs to you as well! 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

  3. Fun glasses! They look good on you ☺️ In all seriousness, though, I agree with your dad! When I saw the picture of Beyonce, I felt nauseated. Her headpiece did look just like a monstrance! I wasn’t sure what to feel or to think, actually. I was dismayed, but I also felt pity for her and for others in similar situations. Clearly, she doesn’t know the truth about God’s love. When I’m confronted by what pretty much amounts to paganism in today’s culture/society, but could also be described as spiritual sloth, ambivalence, and ignorance, I am often at a loss, not knowing what to say or do, but I think your post is pointing me in the right direction. Humility. Leave it up to God. He is working on each individual soul, and it’s not up to me to try to figure out how/when/where/why. I’m just a bit part in this great, universal story that God is writing. Even though it feels like I am acquiescing, maybe in being humble and just living my life as best I can and following God as well as I know how, I am serving his greater purpose. Thank you for sharing your perspective on this topic! It’s a hard to grapple with all of the conflicting messages that are out there, and reading your thoughts is really helpful!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hello again friend! You are on a reading roll tonight! Thank you! Yeah I was disappointed because I love her music, but the performance really rubbed me the wrong way. I’m glad I’m not the only one 🙂 and thank you for saying that. And yes-you are serving His greater purpose. He is the master designer and is working all these puzzle pieces together for good, and your life is one of those puzzle pieces:) thanks for being you. You brighten my day! Big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Beautifully said. I agree, that true beauty is in humility and a good mother is said to praised by her children. You have honored your mother well. Keep on loving her. I know caring for sick loved one is a heavy labor of love. You are the hands and feet of Jesus to her, just as she physically was once.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Although I have not seen Beyonce’s performance for myself I appreciate your comments. You were totally unbiased and were writing from a very personal point of view with regard to your mom. I wish you and your family all the best and that your mom makes a full recovery!
    Be blessed, realsurvivor2

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Your mom and my mom sound very similar. My mom is all about giving and caring and never asking for anything in return. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago I was given the opportunity to give back to her a little bit of what she has given to me over the years (although not nearly the same amount). And it taught me to stop taking her for granted.

    My prayers are with you and your family for your mom’s recovery.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m sorry that she received that diagnosis. I hope everything is okay. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. she sounds like an incredible woman. thanks for your prayers and support for my mom! hugs xox

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    1. Thank you so much for your prayers. It seriously means so much. You know, I really do feel that God is holding my family up through this challenging time and is with us. Thanks for reading 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  10. Love your observations. I’ve always felt this way about queen bee…talented but sometimes the self adoration is a bit much. Womanhood should be celebrated and we should all see the greatness in each other but not in a way that makes some ppl seem so much more ‘God like’ than others. A mothers love is precious in all forms.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. There is an element to pop culture that is pagan and this performance exemplifies that. This is a great post and spot on.

    The most wonderful thing happened to me as a mom. My daughter lives in Brooklyn, NY. She called and ended the call saying, “If anything bad happened to you I’d drive right down to Florida. I want to have you around a long time.” Warmed my heart.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks, Nike, for this reflection. Aw, your daughter sounds like an awesome young woman. I love Brooklyn. I’ve had a lot of fun times with my friends exploring that part of the city! Thanks for stopping by! hugs xox

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    1. oh gosh, Brittnee, I’m so sorry that you can so personally relate. I will keep her and you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. hang in there. thank you for the beautiful encouragement. Big hugs to you xo

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  15. What a lovely post, your family sounds very close.

    I think the whole celebrity culture thing is completely out of control. I don’t envy the celebrities either, most of them seem to lose touch with their true self and confuse their self identity with the way other people see them.

    I think that disconnect is what causes a lot of the weird behaviour and alcohol / drug abuse that we sometimes see.

    Having a lot of money also doesn’t seem to be very good, I was talking to someone about the dangers of hedonistic adaption recently.

    I’m a big proponent of celebrating talent at all levels and not idolising people too much!

    I still like my jpop and kpop videos though lol

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Your insight into Beyonce’s portrayal of herself as a “pregnancy goddess” is so poignant and fascinating. I love your comparison of a world-renouned pop sensation to your humble, struggling mother. I admit I’ve fallen into worshipping Beyonce in the past. She displays herself as an all-powerful, autonomous goddess representing all oppressed women. This image appeals to many young girls and women, including myself. However, if we exalt ourselves we will be humbled. And if we humble ourselves we will be exalted. Thank you for this great post!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Loved this. There’s a lot of self glorification these days. I always thank my mom for her sacrifice and love and she ALWAYS makes it very clear to me that she NEVER saw anything she did as sacrifice. That she loved every minute of being a mother. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Good reaction to Beyonce, all I can say.
    Shades of Shirley McLane, “I. am. god.” she said in one movie, and endorsed the view in her other utterances. To deny the one true God and Creator is foolishness. To fear God is the beginning of wisdom.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Beautifully put, and spot on! Thank you for sharing this, more people need to see this and get a grip of reality, and away from the illusions pumped to us for the sake of profit. Keep up the great work !

    Liked by 1 person

  24. First of all thank you for liking my blog 30 Plus Teams 30 Plus Dreams . As one who has had a minor stroke, I pray that your mom is doing better. I didn’t watch the grammys, but I did see Beyoncé s outfit, and I was really well, I just don’t know what to say. She is not the Virgin Mary and being a mother is a very beautiful thing. it’s a gift from God. There is nothing wrong with showing how proud you are of your pregnant body, but don’t portray yourself as some kind of goddess . Smh.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. I’m so sorry that you can relate on such a personal level, but I’m glad you’re doing well. I totally agree with everything you said!!! hugs to you xox

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  25. I am so refreshed by this post. I admittedly don’t have TV so I did not witness this, however, you do have me a little curious now! Thank you for sharing this message, it is something our culture could use more of!

    Liked by 1 person

  26. I love this post! I’m working on something in Eucharistic adoration right now and seeing Beyonce also reminded me of the monstrance. Yuck. I think mothers are most beautiful in their weakest and most raw moments. Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Thanks for this good piece. My sense is that you are being gentle with both Beyoncé and pop culture more generally, but I like your heart, and your caring for you mother! With best wishes, William Eaton, Montaigbakhtinian

    Liked by 1 person

  30. I watched the Queen Bey and thought she was beautiful and enjoyed her performance. I was struck by her costume as well but I don’t recall her issuing a call to worship her. She is a performer. She performed. She will sell more records because of her performance. My analysis stopped there.

    Humility is a Godly trait. Clearly one that shines from your mother. To see humility, we have to look at people as Jesus sees them. It is only by looking at people with His eyes that we can see their real beauty, that we can see truth in them. That is how you were looking at your mother when you wrote this. It is her humility and your vision that is beautiful. You have the eyes of Jesus which look compassion on the world.

    God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  32. You have a gift girl! Im viewing ur blog for the first time and your observation and personal “humility” is outstanding. I see who and whatever is inside of you in your writing!
    Blessings to you…u r doing wonderful!
    Please stay strong..that is all we can do to fight this battle.daily.
    Ur mom is amazing! U R lucky! N so is she!

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Well said my friend. Thank you for sharing your journey with your mother recovery. I’ll continue to pray for her continued good health. I understand completely as I walked a similar journey with my momma.

    Regarding B’s performance, my heart goes out to all the women who deeply desire to conceive, who have conceived and lost children, …what about them? I know it’s painful come every Mother’s Day that they are unable to celebrate. It makes my heart sad because everyone is worthy regardless of their ability to conceive, marry, or whatever the identifier may be. Thanks for sharing! ❤
    “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” Matthew 20:16 (NLT)

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    1. Thanks so much Missy! I really appreciate your prayers for my mama. She’s doing so well with her recovery. We’re so encouraged. Yeah I definitely feel that too. As a young woman who is struggling with infertility, this definitely hits close to home. I agree! Thanks for this beautiful reflection. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  37. I know this is late but I hope your mum is better now. Actually I used to listen to Beyonce music and I was a fan but then I later realised that if I want to be serious about my walk and relationship with God I have to be careful with what I let come into my spirit because gradually listening to songs like this actually affect one’s thinking and way of behaving unconsciously, I have actually witnessed this happen to someone I know but that’s a story for another day. As Christians though It may be hard we have to be careful about things like this because most of this artists promote what God hates and they make it obvious in their songs where they promote pride,sex before marriage,materialism, drugs and so many other things and as lovers of christ we shouldn’t let that into the temple of God [our bodies]. So that’s my take.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words about my mom. She’s doing much better. Still a long way to go…I’m actually at the airport headed back to Ohio now. Thanks for your thoughts – you’re right- we’ve gotta be mindful of what we allow in our thoughts and bodies. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  38. I think I would lose my mind if I had that level of celebrity! It can’t be easy to stay humble when you’re surrounded by yes men (and yes women) and maybe in her head she is trying to promote motherhood and female empowerment in general, but I have no doubt that it came across as an astonishing level of hubris!

    Great post, by the way…

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  40. Dear BBB, Having just discovered your blog after coming to the realisation that I had some likes over on my own “writing” and clicking on your beautiful image, I wanted to let you know that I am inspired by what I am reading. Thank you for your honesty and integrity, values I continue to strive for, not just in my life, but in my writing. I am just learning how blogging works despite having been writing on a blog for years! Your own blog is Beautiful as are you and I look forward to learning more about you as I catch up with your posts and reading future posts!

    Earth Blessings Always x

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  42. Thank you for your insight and best wishes to you and your family.
    I’ve been searching the internet for other people’s thoughts about B ever since I attended her OTR II concert this past Sunday night. I don’t identify as Christian but respect Christian beliefs and I was disturbed by her and Jay-Z’s blasphemous performance. I’ve had a heavy heart since. I’m thankful that there are good people still out there who are respectful and can see straight. The concert goers were blind the the sheer disrespect to Christianity and God that was visually portrayed. I fortunately wasn’t familiar with her music enough to follow the lyrics which helped me focus more on the overall mood/ stage of the show. Their false messages of LOVE, Unity and Feminism only worked to mask their disrespect to God as the stage was on “fire” like Hell and people dressed in all red and random images of crosses were flashed and much more. I didn’t think it was a coincidence at all. To say it was all for show is so…easy but careless to me. Please use this as a warning… it has all been a wake up call to me.

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