“Protect Your Image”
Chondra, I see you writing all these inspirational blogs like you are “holier than thou,” but you are the ultimate party girl! You preach like you are a positive role model for women but you aren’t a saint. You need to protect your self-image if you are going to be “inspiring” people.
That is a letter I received to my GS email address (chondra@gossipsister.com). I must say I’m not the least bit surprised and I’m actually thankful for the message because it creates an opportunity for me to address some issues and set the record straight. The truth is- no I am not perfect. I am a work in progress. Each and every day, each and every blog, article, or message I write, it’s all a testimonial to my progress (unless I’m talking about makeup or fitness, but you get the point).
Let me be clear- I am not “preaching” as I have NO desire to be a minister, reverend, “saint” or any other type of preacher. I never had a “holier than thou” attitude ever throughout my walk with Christ from the day I was baptized. I am simply blogging my opinions, ideas, and most importantly- my progress. Half the time I blog on what I discovered and been through indicating I am in a molding process and I’ve chosen to blog about it to encourage others who need the empowerment and/or insight. We all fall short but we are given the mercy and grace to get back up. No one with flesh and blood is exempt from that.
Let me also say- yes, I LOVE to have fun! Have I made mistakes in my quest for fun? YES! For the most part, I’ve represented myself in a lady-like manner and the times I haven’t I work hard to redeem myself in the best way possible. I’m not a wall-flower-clam-in-the-shell type person. Ever since I was in the 1st grade when my teacher wrote “social butterfly” on my report card and my mom rhetorically asked “What do you think you’re going to school for?!” I answered “to play with my friends;” from that moment on I was declared a Socialite before Paris Hilton & Nicole Ritchie ever coined the term. I have fun! 
We all have that “something” that we need to work on. It won’t happen overnight. We must work hard at it everyday. We will fall down. We will get up. And according to God’s will, we will see the kingdom. I am blessed. Everyday I work on my piece of art called LIFE. Thank you “anonymous” writer- I WILL work that much harder to protect my image because, indeed, I am a role model to me, myself, and I.
You may have no idea what I have on my “To Be Improved” list, or my “Not To Do” list, or even my “Don’t Try That EVER Again” list. We all should have one of those constructed somewhere in our hearts and minds. The best part about mistakes is you learn from them. Best part about trials & tribulations- you grow stronger from them. The best part about the past is it’s behind you. One of my gifts is writing so that’s what I will do, and I will never stop.
I chose to respond to this letter publicly because I want everyone to know I’m not proclaiming perfection in God’s image. I chose to respond publicly because there may be someone who feels the same way about me or who even had someone feel this way about them. Most importantly, I chose to respond publicly because we all work hard to protect our self-image and that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Be encouraged and don’t give up perfecting your own art piece called LIFE!
Be Blessed
Gossiper
(Chondra Renee’ Kirkland)
2 comments
Permalink1
Its such an eye opener to see how whether you want to be or not – you ARE a role model – which may or may not be fair…a harsh reality I am learning. Reality TV stars are considered role models and they aren’t, singers, actors, athelets are all held at a higher standard than others and sometimes they don’t want the responsibility…its not fair but its reality, when you put yourself out there – others hold you at different standards.
Permalink2
Well, you know I commented on that nonsense post on Facebook. So you know where I stand on this one