Before you grasp the full meaning of the title; here’s a short colorful prose by Bugi Ebuzoeme. It is the highlight of this article. Read on.
Fireworks: By Bugi Ebuzoeme
As I look out my windows into the dark, endless and empty sky; my most relaxed moments are stirred up.
Moments when I was liberated from the shackles of having to stay one place and practice the same routine for six months. Moments when I didn’t have to control my inexhaustible energy. These are moments that I don’t have to act or seem to be the serious person the society wants to see.
I am wearing a facade instead of becoming my own true self. A self-imposed jail I created in order to be called, ‘mature.’
As these fleeting thoughts sped across my mind; I looked up to see a straight spark of light spiral into the sky. This light explodes into beautiful colors lighting up the once dark and gloomy sky. It spreads its colored wings in all directions, bring about so many beautiful colors. I marveled at this beautiful sight and a voice whispered in my head:
“That firework is just like your cousin Ebuka. Eliciting and lighting up everywhere he goes and stays. He lives and let life be. He spreads his colorful wings and soars.”
This writer wrote the piece to her elder cousin to tell him how special he is. Yet, a deeper wider look at this piece shows how we can affect and spread joy to those around us.
Personally, Ebuka is a close friend (I call him Gabriel). But the truth is.. You and I are Ebuka. We both have people who look up to us for advice and support. There is a certain responsibility on your shoulders.
If you are striving for greatness, then there are destinies tied to you. Generational impact might feel like a burden to you right now. But it is the plain truth.
Make sure you light the path of greatness for the people coming after you. Show them success and excellence is possible. Make sure your juniors proud of your strides and achievements.
Let your life be fireworks, shining before others. Be Ebuka.
As we anticipated the sequel to the blockbuster movie, we got the shocking news of the death of Chadwick Boseman. He died of colon cancer on August 28, 2020. His family pronounced that Chadwick battled this disease for four years till his death.
Despite dying at an early age, Chadwick Boseman truly lived a life of grace and black excellence. He constantly poured out his heart, soul and life into the characters he played. These movies include Marshall, 42, 21 Bridges, Get On Up and many more. Greatly loved and admired by all, the final tweet on his account just became the most liked post in Twitter history.
Chadwick Boseman
As we continue to celebrate this king and legend, here are 5 things you can learn from his life too:
1. Live with a sense of purpose
Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed.
To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years.
Unknown to the public eye, Chadwick visited and encouraged kids with cancer while facing his own battle with same cancer. In his movies, he also had this grace, presence, beauty and elegance when playing a character.
This is a constant reminder for you to be a hero too. Live each day with kindness and purpose. Be intentional. Live a life full of positivity and laughter.
Mr Boseman levelled the playing field while fighting for his life… That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game…
Chadwick was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, per reports. During that time, he gave us Civil War, Marshall, Black Panther, Infinity War, Endgame, 21 Bridges and Da 5 Bloods. Lord only knows what he was going through on a daily basis.
Chadwick gives an exemplary example of balancing personal life and work. He never allowed his inner battles to affect his work ethic or creative approach to acting. Chadwick’s family said he had filmed many of his recent movies while undergoing “countless surgeries”. He thoroughly played his movie roles to the very end.
This act is a reminder to do and say only what matters most. Not everyone needs to hear about your troubles or struggles. Never let your darkness or inner demons prevent you from becoming the light you are. Always shine and showcase your talents till the very end.
What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like.
Chadwick had the chance to act life-changing roles because he had people to support him during his last years on Earth. His family. The group of close friends. His fellow co-actors. They were always there to appreciate his work and give him the chance to laugh till the end.
This is a reminder to choose your friends carefully. Have a select few who can guard your secrets and still build a healthy relationship with you. Maintain friendships that empower you on a positive level.
Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King.
This is clearly evident from the eulogies received on the internet and by his family. Chadwick Boseman gave his all while living a life of grace, elegance and heroism.
This is a reminder for you to live to the fullest too. Constantly develop your talents. Share your story in whatever you can. Most importantly, don’t die empty.
Yes this was our king. Not because we served him or because he ruled. But because of how he served us in everything he did. He played a hero on screen and lived like one in real life. He made so many of us proud of who we are. Hamba kahle Chadwick…Sizoku bona phambili.
“I noticed then that Chad was an anomaly,” Coogler wrote. “He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that see much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time.”
Chadwick Boseman once said he prayed for the role of BLACK panther before he got it. He always looked different. Sounded different. I guess this can be linked to his Christian faith. Because Chadwick has also given a speech at a Christian gathering. This is also supported by his pastor who says Chadwick Boseman sustained his faith till the very end.
This is a constant reminder to always communicate with God in whatever you do. Sustain and stay strong in your faith with Him. Always remember Him in your youth. Let Him guide and lead you all the days of your life.
Yeah. So those are the five tips on living a black excellent life like Chadwick Boseman.
Rest in Power, King.
Chadwick was such an elegant man with great integrity and tremendous talent. He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king. Honor him by emulating him-show kindness and love to others. Share your talents in ways that impact. Always strive to be a light in the darkness.
Have you ever read a specific verse in the Bible from a different version and had a profound perspective? This is how I felt after reading Matthew 5:13-16 from the Message. After reading these verses and sharing my thoughts, I sincerely hope it gives clarity and understanding in whatever you do. Read closely because it is also the sole reason on why you and I are here on Earth:
Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.
MATTHEW 5:13-16 MSG
Salt of the Earth: Be Valuable
In those days, salt was so valuable and useful that it was used as money. Today, America’s sea salt company identified over 14,000 uses of salt. It’s obvious that to live a healthy life, salt must be part of your daily diet. This is how you should be. Be the salt of the earth. Be extremely important in offering value. Here is how to be the salt of the earth:
Be Salt. Preserve the peace in your environment and those around you. Try to be peaceful with all men (at least from your end).
Be Salt. Listen critically and cleanse the impurities. Dissociate from bad people and remove corrupt communication. Do what is right at all times.
Be Salt. Add ‘taste’ and ‘spice’ to the lives of others. Bring the individuality and uniqueness of your mentors, peers and juniors. Be a beacon of positivity and wisdom.
Be Salt. Know your origin. Just as how salts originate from the ocean, know you come from a place of abundance. You are limitless and vast. You are from a source of never-ending wisdom, strength and creativity. Knowing your self-identity also boosts your self-worth.
You are the salt of the Earth. Don’t forget this.
Light of the World: Be Visible
The Sun. The Moon. Electric bulb. Candle. These are symbols of life, tranquillity, innovation and restoration respectively. All because they produce light.
This is who you are. The light of the world. You are never meant to be hidden. People need you to survive. Embrace this philosophy wherever you go. Here is how to be the light of the world:
Be Light. Give life. Let your attitude, actions and words always spread positivity and joy. People should feel energized, encouraged and elated when they see and hear you.
Be Light. Be visible. Share your story. Share your talents in whatever you can. You cannot be hidden. You are meant for the top. Strive with excellence and the urge to learn. Be spectacular in your doings. Always show up strong.
Be Light. Illuminate. Enlighten people around you with your exposure, experience and expertise. Don’t be a lonely light in the midst of darkness because it will eventually consume you. Light others up literally. Always seek ways to bring out the potential in others.
Be Light. Innovate. For instance, the Sun, fire and lighting powered by electricity give us energy, the power to stay active at night and improves our lives at a faster pace. This is how you ought to be. Stay active. Come up with new ideas. Improve constantly. This is the only way you can shine brighter.
FINAL WORDS
I know life is not perfect and throw bad situations at you. There are certain times when you might feel useless, unimportant or confused on what to do with your day or life in general. Or when waves of loneliness or darkness consume your thoughts which in turn affect your attitude and actions.
Please stay strong in those moments. Stay in constant contact with the Creator. Seek advice from positive friends. And one thing is certain.
Never lose sight of who you are. You are Salt and Light.
