Balancing the STRUT

By Dr. Darcova Triplett

Whitney Houston sang…

Whatever you want

Whatever you need

Anything you want done baby

I do it naturally

‘Cause I’m every woman (Every Woman)

It’s all in me

It’s all in me

Alicia Keys vocalized…

‘Cause I am a Superwoman

Yes I am (Yes she is)

I still put on a vest

With an S on my chest

Oh Yes, I’m a Superwoman

Helen Reddy added…

Oh Yes, I am wise

But its wisdom born of pain

Yes, I’ve paid the price

But look how much I’ve gained

If I have to

I can do anything

I am strong (strong)

I am invincible (invincible)

I am Woman

Beyonce’ went on to assert…

My persuasion can build a nation

Endless power, with our love we can devour

You’ll do anything for me

(‘cause) Who Run the World? GIRLS!

It seems our ears are saturated with a lyrical presence that makes it known: I am not JUST a woman, but I am a Superwoman who is capable of doing anything including persuading YOU to do anything for ME! simply because GIRLS RUN THE WORLD! One could very well become hypnotized with the notion that she possesses a supernatural potion to do everything and be everywhere at the same time. It would not be difficult for one to esteem herself high above the crowd, sitting on her throne and reigning supreme.

While you can’t rule in my shoes and I have no desire to dictate in yours, I come to you today, my sistahs, simply to plant a seed. While you are resilient enough to build a nation all by yourself, it’s okay to ask for help. As a matter of fact, someone has been designated to assist you. Better yet- you have his rib so you’ve been created to help him build the nation. Yes, you’re smart enough to make these millions; strong enough to bear the children and then get back to business, but you really don’t have to bear that burden alone. All I’m saying is this, you can bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan, but there are some instances when you got to let the man be the man. All too often we women take on more than we were even designed to… and then get frustrated, flustered and flat out fail at being that Proverb 31 Woman.

Now I know I’ve been on this STRUT Tip for a minute and I am all about empowering women and encouraging us to be self- confident and self- assured. But I promise you there is nothing more appealing than a woman who is impervious enough to be vulnerable, brash enough to be submissive and articulate enough to be silent. Ladies, we must balance this STRUT Movement because I don’t know about y’all, but I have no intention of being all that, having it all and sitting pretty… all by myself.

So with that being said, let’s enhance ourselves as we enrich our marriages. Let’s do away with that “It’s all about me” attitude and embrace “US.” Instead of focusing on what he isn’t doing for you, reflect on what you’re doing for him. Only see the positive. Only expect that which is progressive. And always, always, always PRAY!

Mary J. Blige takes us home…

See this is real talk

I’m always stay (no matter what)

Good or bad (thick and thin)

Right or wrong (all day everyday)

Now if you’re down on love or don’t believe

This isn’t for you (no, this isn’t for you)

And if you got it deep in your heart

And deep down you know that it’s true (come on, come on, come on)

Well, let me see you put your hands up (hands up)

Ladies let him know he’s got your love

Look him right in his eyes and tell him

We’ve been too strong for too long (and I can’t be without you baby)

And I’ll be waiting up until you get home (cuz I can’t sleep without you baby)

Anybody who’s ever loved, you know just what I feel

Too hard to fake it, nothing can replace it

Call the radio if you just can’t be without your baby

Heeeeeeey

Ohhhhhhh……..

Todd and Darcova Triplett celebrate 13 years of a blessed marriage on February 12, 2013. www.facebook.com/StrutTheMagazine