track eight: work that

track eight is mary j. blige's work that... it is a relatively new song; however, it has had a profound impact on my life.

the first time i heard this song, i thought it was catchy. this song isn't your typical power-to-the-woman-bash-all-men song. it speaks more about women being psychologically and emotionally beaten by today's culture. the concept "work that" is from the runway... strutting, cat-walking, throwing your hips around... but i see it more as a a confidence in what you have-- the things that make you you.

God really speaks to me through the lyrics (and the beat... haha) of this song... in a very personal way. the first line talks about becoming a queen. God reminds me that i am His child *which makes me a princess* and all princesses are regal- like queens. i spent a lot of time rejecting the idea that i was anything close to royalty... instead i chose to place myself at the bottom of everyone's totem pole. i preferred mud and dirt to the sunshine a couple heads up. but i am beautiful and deserve to be seen! God reminds me of that in this song.

there is serious pressure amongst the young people in this world to fit the mold and conform to the standards projected in the media. for me, this song gives me confidence to be different... more importantly, it allows me to be proud of my difference. "it's okay show yourself some love/ don't worry who's saying what/ it's gonna be fine/ work what you got." so let them hate (rag, complain, gossip, etc.) let them talk because i realize it is only because they are not happy with who they are... i am confident enough in who i am as my Father's child to take it. that is what God tells me in this song...

so, work that! work what God has given you in this earthly life to prove to others that He is good. be it illness or self-confidence or physical limitation or deformity or whatever else... work it to His glory.

mary j. blige might not share this viewpoint, but that is the beauty of art... it is up to the viewer/listener for interpretation... that is pretty cool. something else that is pretty cool: "for God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him" ~philippians 2:13. work that, friend... work that!