This past Saturday we celebrated 7 years of blog posts and inspiration for singles all over the world! From Chicago to Lagos and many other destinations, God has taken BLISSforSingles to new levels over the years. We had a pop up event in Chicago at the Black owned Sip and Savor cafe in Bronzeville where a small but faithful group of friends, family and colleagues battled the morning’s snowstorm to celebrate. See the recap video on our Instagram page!
I’m grateful to God for every individual who wanted to attend but couldn’t, and a special thank you to everyone who showed up! If you haven’t secured your print copy of our commemorative 7th anniversary magazine, it is now available for print and in digital form.
We also have two new tshirt designs, created by my talented sis Designs by Restore, on sale! Click here to shop and support!
Thank you to Shannon at SDL Photography for capturing my pre-party photoshoot and Dennis of Cre8ive Jacks for his generous portraits at the pop up!
The State of Black Love 2019
I wanted to include in this post what I’d like to call the “State of Black Love” address, in which I share my thoughts on what we are seeing overall in the space that is Black Love in our culture today. I haven’t done one probably since our first year in 2012, but it’s fitting to bring this back annually.
My brothers and sisters, the state of Black Love in 2019 is one of awareness. We are coming to a point of recognizing and no longer tolerating toxic behaviors. This is not only the discussions made on toxic masculinity, or toxic relationship messaging that is impacting our people, especially under age 30.
In the Black community we are seeing a shift in regards to how we perceive healing and approaching relationships. On one end there are people who want to be married, but they recognize their truth in their current season and the work that it’s going to take to get to that point. They are willing to do what it takes to be prepared for what they want, even if they don’t know what the full process will entail. Then there are people who are not interested in marriage at all, and they have their own reasons for it. From not seeing any successful relationships work out in their lives, seeing one too many unfaithful scandals in the media or feeling jaded by the past, many are not interested in getting married.
Women, especially Black women, are taking a stand more than ever in support of themselves being happy in relationships. No longer are we tolerating what we saw other generations “deal with” in dating and marriage. We are no longer feeling the shame and guilt of leaving dating relationships with the opposite sex that no longer serve our needs or purpose. Black women are not interested in carrying the burdens and issues of men who won’t do the work to better themselves and get healing because we are doing that work on ourselves. Too many women from teens to elders have been victims of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, assault, harassment and even murder because of unresolved issues within their significant others. We’ve had overwhelming examples in 2018 alone. This is not to stir fear but to share a reason why Black women feel unprotected and frustrated with Black men and men in general.
I believe that there is still hope! I believe in the shift in consciousness regarding our mental health, emotional intelligence, childhood trauma, personal healing, honoring people of the opposite sex, and respecting ourselves. Also, and most importantly, doing the work towards being healed spiritually from our past to embrace who God says we are and enduring the process of living single and entering/maintaining relationships His way.
We will see more of this personal growth in 2019, are you here for it? It’s going to take work, but it’s going to be worth it. I am definitely here for growing and glowing, for not being pressured to do something that’s not your time for yet, for finding contentment on your own (without relying on a human, pet or substance) and doing so with God.
What’s your take on Black Love today? Share below!
Congratulations and keep sharing and inspire us with your thoughts.
Thank you so much for your support!!