Spotlight

“If you are what you say you are, a superstar, then have no fear, the camera's is here, and the microphone, and they wanna' know oh oh oh oh.” Lupe Fiasco-“Superstar”

Ever since I can remember I’ve been drawn to the spotlight like a moth to a flame. Knowing just like that moth, that if I get too close, it might consume me and that it may be the death of me. Knowing this, the spotlight has always made me nervous, given me a little queasiness in my stomach, but I’ve never been scared of it. I take it as part of the process, walk on the stage and do my thing. I’m hovering backstage waiting for my name to be called and the stage-hands are all telling me it’ll be soon. So I take another sip of this water to wet my throat, close my eyes and meditate to quiet my nerves, and say a prayer so that I don’t forget my lines, look up to the sky to thank the Man above and say “I’m Ready.”

I’m confident I’ll do well because I’ve been performing my whole life; this here is just a bigger stage. While loved ones pile the cares and concerns on me I broaden my shoulders to handle the load. The critics shout insults at me; I take them with a grain of salt and make soup with it. The haters try to pull me down I’m happy I’m too high to reach and take it as a compliment that I’m on the right path. When darkness all around me tries to consume me, blind me and confuse me, I shine to light the path in front of me and continue on my journey, never letting anything deter me.

I’ve been blessed, anointed and appointed to be a blessing to others. Despite this supreme ordination I know that this road is not without potholes and down power lines, trolls and tolls, hitchhikers and blind spots. So I keep my hands on the wheels and my eyes on the road, ever vigilant, always patient, very anxious and always waiting for my exit.

Every hurdle and obstacle, every bump and every bruise, every heartache, disappointment, failure and success has been in preparation for this moment and the next. The moment where the light will shine the brightest, the room will be the fullest all in hopes that I’ll be ready. I’ve claimed my whole life to be a superstar and I feel that stardom is just around the corner. Now that I feel it, now that I sense it, now that I know it’s almost here…now what? What’s next is to grab the mic and say I’m ready.

I promise to treat every opportunity like my “First Song,” “Go Hard” every day and try not to let the applause or ridicule get to me because I’m just “Doing My Job.” There will always be an angry “Shooter” in the crowd because they want me to surrender, but I won’t. I realize that I’m a “Champion” and if I have to spit this “Through the Wire” so be it, because “If I Can’t” do it—it can’t be done. What doesn’t kill me only makes me “Stronger” and provides me the “Motivation” I need to “Claim My Place” as the “Soul Survivor” “Hustlin” everyday to “Keep Going” and “Put On” for my city every chance I get. I will never lose sight of the “Number One Spot.” “I’m Out Here Grindin’” because “I Can’t Quit” and ain’t nobody got “Swagga Like Us.” So “Let’s Go,” it’s almost “Showtime” and it’s time for the “Superstar” to hit the stage.

I’m still nervous, still curious about what waits on the other side of the curtain. I still question whether I’m strong enough and wise enough to handle the pressure. I have to be, I need to be, for me, my family and my friends; ready. None of us are born stars, just born with star qualities. The difference between a star and a burnout is what you do with your light. I plan to use mine to light up the world in every corner where there is darkness. I feel like I’ve waited long enough, I’ve talked it out a million times, have gone over the plan countless times and now it’s time to shine. I’m ready.