Immediately, I was taken back to my childhood where I too experienced my own life changing moment because of the sultry songstress. Like many, I can remember dancing around and singing along with Diana Ross as her sweet yet powerful voice transformed once hopeless listeners into dreamers. But the moment I'll never forget was turning on the television and sitting down to the movie Mahogany. I was maybe 10 years old when I saw it the first time, but chills ran up and down my spine.
I'll try not to spoil the movie for anyone that hasn't seen it, but shame on you if you hadn't. Tracy, Diana Ross' character rises from a talented, yet over looked secretary to a super model and eventually a world renowned fashion designer. Trust me when I say, no one could have pried my little eyes from the tube. I've often said, it was then that I realized that the passion I had for creating clothing was actually a career. Ms. Ross not only put a title on my passion but the leading lady inspired me a million times more. My mom had said it a million times; that if I believed in what God could do through me, then all dreams were possible.
Though it was just a movie, that day, Diana Ross was living breathing proof for me that I could dream beyond who I was. I could dream beyond my circumstances and reach my destiny. She was more than a singer. She was a black leading actress, well ahead of her time. There are very people that possess the gift or ability to change the world. Thank you Ms. Ross for sharing your gift.
In the beginning, I brought ideas to life with fabric scraps and a simple sewing needle and thread. I've always known that the odds were against me. Although I rarely think about my outer appearance, honestly forgetting sometimes, the world seems to never lose sight of the differences. As the reviews surface and my story broadens, that fact becomes clear. The world sees the little girl that was burned at 2, lost a sister, yet survived to defy the adversities. Don't get me wrong, I greatly appreciate that people admire me and see something in little old me but it amazes me to hear people refer to me as inspirational. I'm speechless but grateful for the journey that God has given me. Indeed, one November day years ago, I received severe burns to only my face and hands, losing all the fingers on the one hand some damage to the other. The fire would alter my appearance to othes greatly, but I see me differently.
I am the little girl that was taught that faith trumps "can't" any day, to see through the outer, to not see black and white, disabilities or impossibilities. I am the little girl with a burning passion that was fueled by a tiny red sewing machine, given to me by my mother. I am the little girl that had a passion to create the things that flowed so brilliantly through my mind. I am that little girl who was given hope that my dreams were not just dreams. That little girl in me keeps me humble, keeps me determined, keeps me looking past my physical differences, and keeps me dreaming beyond my circumstances.
Hopefully one day my tenacity will be the inspiration that drives a hopeless individual to dream beyond their circumstances.
This blog is my ode to the irreplaceble icons in my life...the woman who instilled, my mother, Mrs. Vera Rowe; the woman that inspired, Ms. Diana Ross.
Fashionably yours,
Linda
