I cannot save the world, that's not what I'm trying to do. I guess I'm just trying to walk the walk and be an example to those that want it. Not everybody does, but if Mary J Blige can come out of that same hole you were in, then you can do it too - that's my goal: to do that without saying it, but actually live it.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes personal example over grand ambitions, showcasing how one can inspire others through their actions.
In this quote, Mary J. Blige conveys a powerful message about the importance of living authentically and inspiring others through personal experience rather than through lofty declarations. She acknowledges the limitations of one's ability to change the world directly but highlights the impact of being a living example for those who seek change, emphasizing resilience and the potential for transformation that resides within everyone.
In practice
This quote could be used during a motivational speech at a community event to encourage individuals facing hardships.
When I was five years old I was molested and just, you know. I remember feeling, literally right before it happened, I just could not believe that this person was going to do this to me. That thing followed me all my life. The shame of thinking my molestation was my fault - it led me to believe I wasn't worth anything.
We are all spirits. We get depressed. But music makes you want to live. I know my music has saved my life.
I don't know. Only God knows where the story ends for me, but I know where the story begins. It's up to us to choose, whether we win or lose and I choose to win.
As a child I always wanted to be a singer. The music my mother played in the house moved me - Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Mahalia Jackson. It was truly spiritual. It made you understand what God was. We are all spirits. We get depressed. But music makes you want to live. I know my music has saved my life.
Really, every woman is an example to me, because as women we go through so much pain. We have to live this perfect life when we are messed up inside. We all go through trials and tribulations.
I've been praying to God to show me how to forgive myself. Because... maybe... that's the thing I've been searching for.
There is a voice in the Universe urging us to remember our purpose for being on this great Earth. This is the voice of inspiration, which is within each and every one of us.
The only thing that gets me back to directing is good scripts.
I've never been a person that has had fear of, like, 'Oh, I don't want to be the poster child for all black lesbian women.' I don't know. I want to be someone in the public eye that they can be proud of.
Nothing primes inspiration more than necessity, whether it be the presence of a copyist waiting for your work or the prodding of an impresario tearing his hair.
My legacy is that I stayed on course... from the beginning to the end, because I believed in something inside of me.
I believe that having something to hope for - even if it's just a better tomorrow- is the most powerful drug on this planet.
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