52 Thoughts: Last Breath

So there is this song by an artist whose name is Future.  The title of the song is “Last Breath" (Wayne & Wilburn, 2015).  The entire song is a reflection on how he has responded to a variety of difficulties and naysayers.  In the song he states, 

“You should’ve never doubted me, 
I’ma work til my last breath,
I’ma hustle til my last breath" 

The song simply speaks volumes to me. There are only two other songs which move me the way “Last Breath” does. Those songs are “Sidelines” and “Rejects” by Lecrae. You should check them out sometime. 

Well this track by Future had me reflecting on what was said to me recently about this current housing project I am working on called Hope Village. 

“You have come a long way Phillip.” 

I will tell you thirteen years in Arkansas has been replete with lessons and realizations for my soul.  All types of folks have doubted me, looked at me with suspicion, said and written things provoking me to think…”Who needs this?!” Then 

“You never know where your motivation will come from…”

What does Future mean by motivation? These words and many like them have become a sort of motivation…

“You are not a normal black man.” 
“Nigger.”
“Cult leader.” 
“Intimidating.” 
“Hard to work with.”
“Too focused.” 
“Go take your work somewhere else.”

I don’t know what motivates you to do what you do but I realize those types of sentiments mentioned above act in someway to open my mouth and I shout along with Future…”You should’ve never doubted me.” 

So I work hard. I was built for this work. I work till my last breath. And working this hard is not simply to prove something to myself. I have learned and committed myself to use my time productively and passionately. We should be using every bit of who we are to improve our life and the lives others. 

I mean if you really think about it, one breath was given to us to accomplish something. I have figured out in this drama called life we should use this breath fully with love and then when the time is appropriate…we will give this one breath back to our maker. 

Don’t worry about those who say you can’t make it. Take a breath, live for yourself, and others.

Be Love
Be Kind
Be Generous