eyeInspire: Be He-Centered

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. - Galatians 5:6

Do you recall being in high school or middle school? Some memories may be vaguer than others, but I'm sure you remember that person who was so vein, that if no one was paying them attention, that made sure that didn't last long. Maybe it was the star athlete, the head cheerleader, the bully, or even you! Whoever it was, they were the ones that were called conceited, cocky and/or self-centered. No matter the name, if it's always all about you, where does God fit in?

Some don't think making God a priority is important; especially since they always want to have full control of their own lives. But once we've committed to being Christ-Centered, we'll be able to have the righteousness that comes from our true and living God. Like it says in Philippians 3:9

...and be found in him, not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness—a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ’s faithfulness.

Making the decision to turn your life from being me-centered to He-centered is one of the most important choices you can make. See how differently you treat people once you do, and see how your life transforms. Today, eyeInspire you to switch gears. Let the spotlight be on you only because you have the Light in you. Then, determine if life was better when it was all about you, or when you made it all about Him.

♥ t i f f a n y

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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Block out the Stress

In celebrating Stress Awareness Month, we wanted to ironically share ways for you to relieve and/or block out stress. Everyone is different so, what may relieve stress for you, may cause stress for another. Here just three tips that may help you:

1. Exercise - Release all of that negative energy you've been storing up and hit the gym! There's nothing like burning off calories and taking the stress away in one area of your life.  Turning those stressful moments and people away, and getting your body in shape should put you in a great mood.

2. Sleep - Many times, stress is caused by the lack of. The lack of food, the lack of two extra hands, the lack of a means of transportation and/or finances...and the list goes on. Give your brain a moment to put things in order and take a breather. A nap will give your body what it needs to put your plan of action into work. Never let stress take away from your rest!

3.  Talk - You may feel alone in your situation, but there's always someone out there going through the same thing. Call a friend or family member and just ask them to listen. Getting out your emotions may help you realize that what you're going through, isn't as bad as it seemed when you kept it to yourself. If no one's around to talk to, you can always pray or talk to yourself. Just get it out!

If those fail, don't worry, William James put it this way,

"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another."

Choose your battles. Stress doesn't have to be a factor! Think happy thoughts. The thing that's stressing you out is just one thing. Think about all the good things happening in your life. Think about the sunshine after the clouds from the storm. Remember, you're too blessed to be stressed!

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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ToP THIS: Healthy Relationship

If you’re in a healthy relationship, you know it. In fact, you and your mate likely worked hard to get to that point. However, it’s not always a clear when we’re NOT in a healthy love relationship. Why? Well, we usually carry on relationships in ways that we learned from others—and to us it seems normal. We may not realize that smiling, happy couples have problems behind closed doors. The healthy relationship signs below are meant to open your eyes to what healthy relationships are all about. It’s not all smiles and kissy-face; but it’s real. Happy reading!

A healthy relationship is when you can be your true selves with each other. You feel comfortable sharing your deepest thoughts, fears, and emotions with each other.You rarely lie to each other, but you also refrain from being brutally honest.

You respect each others’ privacy. You give each other space and/or “Me time.” You make it through rough times as a couple without splitting up.You and your mate completely deal with your problems, refusing to leave them unresolved until resentments form. You both listen without interrupting. You don’t tell each other what you should or shouldn’t think/feel, but in case you do, you forgive each other for mistakes. 

In having a healthy relationship, you must have a strong friendship.You speak each others’ Love Language, even if it’s different from your own. You willingly make sacrifices for each other. You share mutual interests and activities. There is mutual trust and dedication.

You treat each other the way you would like to be treated, not necessarily the way you feel you’re being treated at the moment. You respect each others’ individuality and make the most of your differences. You act as each others’ backbone, providing loving support without guilt. You share spiritual beliefs or a spiritual connection. You show sensitivity to each others’ needs. You discuss and negotiate instead of fighting. Each partner takes responsibility for their own thoughts and feelings.

In addition to loving each other, you genuinely like each other. You don’t judge or force your opinions on each other. You take quality time to nurture your relationship. Both partners maintains his/her own set of boundaries and respects the boundaries of the other. You are both attentive to the needs of yourself and the other. You enjoy physical contact (hugs, kisses, cuddling) together. You show appreciation for each other. You communicate openly and meaningfully with each other.

Hardship, uncertainty, and disagreements are accepted as a part of life. You agree (or genuinely agree to disagree) on financial matters. There is equal power between you and your mate. You keep your expectations of each other in check. You genuinely apologize to one another when feelings are hurt.You and your mate speak up assertively instead of expecting the other to read minds. You both eliminate passive aggressive behavior (ignoring, silent treatment, eye rolling, stomping, hanging up the phone) as much as possible. You have a strong sense of interdependence (mutual responsibility) to each other rather than dependence or co-dependence.

Most importantly, you CAN live without each other, but you choose each other over every alternative choice.

Every relationship has its challenges. Instead of using the signs that you’re in a healthy relationship as a way to judge yourself and your mate, use them as a guide to growth. After all, relationship success is a part of self-improvement success.

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
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eyeAsk: Who Encourages The Encouragers?

Between talking to friends, studying the issue and finding answers/solutions, I still feel compelled to hear, read and/or see what you think about this:

eyeAsk: Who encourages the encouragers? Who is supposed to lead the leaders? Who heals the healer? Who inspires the inspiring? 
Some may say God, other may say each others - truth is, both are correct. There are so many answers that one can come up with, but I'm interested in hearing what you have to say. I'll answer in a comment as you should as well!

♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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Two Days eyeWon't Worry About

Two Days We Should Not Worry
We've all heard the saying "Life it too short", and when we think about it, it is. There's but only so much time in a day and if I could make a suggestion, it would be for us not to spend one minute of it worrying. Worry is something that robs us of our life. It is wasted time and energy. So here's to not worry, with an inspirational poem. Happy reading!

There are two days in every week, about which we should not worry,
two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.
One of these days is Yesterday with all its mistakes and cares,
its faults and blunders, its aches and pains.

Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control.
All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday.
We cannot undo a single act we performed;
we cannot erase a single word we said.
Yesterday is gone forever.

The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow
with all its possible adversities, its burdens,
its large promise and its poor performance;
Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.

Tomorrow's sun will rise,
either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise.
Until it does, we have no stake in Tomorrow,
for it is yet to be born.

This leaves only one day, Today.
Any person can fight the battle of just one day.
It is when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities
Yesterday and Tomorrow that we break down.

It is not the experience of Today that drives a person mad,
it is the remorse or bitterness of something which happened Yesterday
and the dread of what Tomorrow may bring.
Let us, therefore, live but one day at a time.

♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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eyeInspire: Change Your Focus

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things” - 1 Thessalonians 4:12, NIV

When others look at your life, what do they see? Does your daily life win the respect of others? As believers, we are Christ’s representatives in the earth. We are called to a higher standard. The way we live our lives should bring glory to God the Father.

Notice this verse doesn’t say, “Go out of your way to do something major so that everyone will respect you.” It doesn’t say, “Win a gold medal or Pulitzer prize so that people will glorify your Father in heaven.” No, it says that your daily life should win the respect of others. That simply means always taking the high road and living a life of excellence. It means doing the right thing even when no one is looking. It means finding common ground in order to be a peacemaker. It means going out with an attitude of faith and thanksgiving.

Remember, you will become like whoever you spend the most time with.

If you are committed to spending time with God the Father everyday, you’ll develop His character. You’ll win the respect of outsiders and bring glory to your Father in heaven!

A prayer: Father God, I dedicate every area of my mind, will, and emotions to You today. Help me live my daily life as an example of You. Show me anything in my life that is displeasing to You. Let my daily life win the respect of others and let everything I do bring glory to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Agree? Disagree? COMMENT!
♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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ToP THIS: Dealing With a Break-Up

Who loves relationship break-ups? Anyone? Yeah, I didn't think so. As much as we might not like them, the fact is that break-ups are a part of reality. Browsing the web, we found some awesome tips from sheknows.com for the women out there. We'll share them with you and, of course, add our elleELLEeye flare.

She says:
REDIRECT YOUR NEGATIVE ENERGY
Trade male bashing for some sweating -- we mean glistening, for us ladies...
We say:
Exercise not only stimulates your body, making it feel better, but you will soon see the benefits of your hard work. This will turn that messy break up into a new reason to go shopping :)

She says:
TAKE TIME FOR EXTREME SELF CARE
People tend to beat themselves up after a breakup, says Heidi Frei, life coach of Heidi Frei Coaching & Consulting...
We say:
Listen, what happened, happened! You can't change the past. All you can do is reflect on what happened, and work on how you will make things better the next time you're in a relationship (and trust me, there will be a "next time").

She says:
LISTEN TO YOURSELF
Frei notes one of the biggest problems women have after a breakup is not putting themselves first. To resolve this unsettled feeling, she recommends beginning a journal...
We say:
Not only can this journal give you a chance to get out all the feelings you might have had bottled up during the relationship (as She mentions later in the blurb), but when you write down your true feelings, you can keep them as a reminder of WHY the relationship is over. This will help you from slipping into the "sick cycle" of breaking up and making up.

She says:
TREAT YOURSELF LIKE A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR WOULD
If you can't treat yourself with love, how will someone else? Frei says it's important to "treat yourself like you want your ideal partner to treat you." ...
We say:
Enough said!

She says:
REDISCOVER YOURSELF
Relationships are often filled with many compromises. Create a vision board: cut out pictures and words from magazines that are meaningful to you in a relationship, (or print your own) and paste them to a poster board. This constant visual reminder will fill your mind with positive energy and remind you what can be achieved each day.
We say: Sometimes when you're "caught up" in a relationship, you forget exactly what it is you said you wouldn't stand for. "Write the vision and make it plain". We encourage you to always keep this board up as a reminder while you're in your next relationship.

She says
TAKE TIME TO GRIEVE AND START WITH A CLEAN SLATE
People heal at different paces. Allow yourself time to feel, cry. "Clear up reminders," says Frei, by purging things in your living space that remind you of the person. Don't get involved in a new relationship too quickly, which may transfer feelings from your old relationship to the new one...
We say:
And as you grieve (because break-ups are a loss) be mindful that there becomes a thin line between getting your feelings out and a pitty party. Feel! Let it all out and then get active. Even if you don't feel like it, getting active is the best way to avoid depression. Spending some time with GOOD friends and family also help. So please take time to grieve, but please be healthy as you do so.

She says:
ENRICH OTHERS THROUGH VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering is a great way to achieve self-actualization while helping others. You may not feel like volunteering. Regardless, Dr. Trent believes "actions dictate feelings, not the reverse. When we begin to take actions that are positive...that generates positive feelings. Not the opposite."...
We say:
Volunteer, help a friend, help a family member, just put yourself out there to spread love.

Have any experience with some of these tips
or have any other tips you want to share?


She.com Article found by
♥t i f f a n y
elleELLEeye twist added by
DANiE

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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Essence Movie of the Year

Check out the entire cast of "For Colored Girls" splitting covers of the December 2010 Essence Magazine. The star studded women of the film are: Thandie Newton (orange), Kimberly Elise (silver), Phylicia Rashad (peach), Anika Noni Rose (yellow), Kerry Washington (blue), Loretta Devine (green), Janet Jackson (red), Tessa Thompson (purple) and Whoopi Goldberg (white) sat for the exclusive portrait for the magazine's 2010 Hot List issue. On the 2nd of the double covers are the men of the cast: Tyler Perry, Richard Lawson, Hill Harper, Omari Hardwick, Khalil Kain, and Michael Ealy. The women look phenomenal, and the men dapper and dandy. I cannot wait to see this film.

- Basquiat

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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QOTD: Room For Improvement

"Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself." - William Faulkner

Remember, the biggest room you'll ever walk into, is the room for improvement.

♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeInspire: Seek Him

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” - Hebrews 11:6, NIV

Do you see God as a rewarder? Notice this verse doesn’t say that God rewards those who “deserve” it or have “earned” it. It doesn’t say that God rewards those who act perfectly and never make mistakes. No, God’s blessing isn’t based on our performance, it’s based on our faith—our belief in Him and His goodness. In fact, one verse says that He longs to be good to those who are looking for His goodness.

If we're doing all the right things in life, but out focus is on fame and riches, we will not be rewarded. The things we seek on earth are temporary and will perish, but if we seek God and have faith that He will take care of us, he will provide and bless us with a kingdom in Heaven. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd rather have a kingdom over a $100,000 chain any day. It may be hard because of the struggles we may go through to sometimes doubt the power of God, but if you have faith in Him, there is no reason why you should doubt him. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrew 11:1

I encourage you today to spend some time meditating on His goodness and dwelling on His faithfulness. Spend some time reading the Psalms and begin to praise and thank Him for all He is doing. Imagine through your eyes of faith all the wonderful things He has prepared for you. Let His Word shape your thoughts; and remember, He is a rewarder! He wants to bless you today because you earnestly seek after Him!

Agree? Disagree? COMMENT!
♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Inspirational Vitamin

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eyeInspire: Fight the Good Fight

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” -1 Peter 4:12–13, NIV

It’s one thing to know that you’re going into a challenging season. You get prepared for it. You get mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches us off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of us.

The Scripture says that we shouldn’t be surprised by fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in your future! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith. Keep your joy and keep declaring God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle. You will defeat every enemy, and right now, I declare that you will fulfill your destiny in Jesus’ name!

Here's a prayer for today: Father God, thank You for walking with me in every season of life. Today, I cast all of my cares on You. I cast all of my difficulties, all of my questions, and all of my concerns. Thank You for working all things out for my good. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
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Scared of Lonely

What is your biggest fear?
How do you scale such a thing? Most people would say death, seeing as though it is the epitome of finality, anything short of that is reversible (barring certain travesties but that's another topic). he reason I ask this today, is because I have heard many people tell me that their biggest fear is being alone. It has made me pause every time I have heard it. I love great company and value the dependability in others, regardless of what element it is in; but I question, was I not born alone?

I don't remember anyone being connected to my hip when I came into this world, so should I not be trained to have only two people to answer to - myself and the most high. I struggle with this, and by no means have I negated the importance of my child (whom I must consider in every decision that I make), but I know for a fact the most vulnerable moments I have met in life is when I have found myself "afraid to be alone." So what is to be made of this?

In this present moment I must deal with facts, and fact is when I am not afraid of being by myself, I feel empowered, independent, capable, and most importantly comfortable with myself.

What are you afraid of? Comment.
- Basquiat

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeInspire: Be the Apple of His Eye

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye…” Psalm 17:8, NIV

In this day and age, people are considered to be important for so many different reasons — titles, position, possessions, where you go, what you drive, etc. But God’s value system is very different from the value system of the world. God cherishes and values you so much today, simply because He made you. You are the apple of His eye; the center of His world!

If you’ve ever thought that God has too many other important things on His plate to be concerned with you and your life, know this today — you are God’s number one priority. And there’s nothing you can do to be more important or less important to Him. He values you today and your value will never change. You are significant. Your life is significant. The things that concern you, concern God. He carefully watches over every detail of your life, and there is nothing too big or too small for His attention.

Today, don’t be afraid to take your concerns and cares to the Father. He loves to hear you call upon Him. He is waiting to show Himself strong on your behalf.

Here's a prayer you can say today: Father in heaven, thank You for loving me today. Thank You for keeping me the apple of Your eye. I open my heart and mind to You and cast every care on You. I receive Your love for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Inspirational Vitamin

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Eyeread vintage: Green Eggs & Ham

I will never forget the day I fell in love with Dr. Seuss.

I was four years-old, obsessed with reading, and could not get enough of his books.

The classic story follows a character that refuses to taste green eggs and ham. However, once he tries it, he loves it.

I have to admit the dish does not sound pleasing to my appetite. However, It was because of this story I learned the importance of being open-minded.

Unfortunately, many of us today choose to limit ourselves by not trying new things.

I’m here to tell you: DO NOT FEAR. There’s a world out there waiting for you to grace it with your presence! You never know until you try right?

Got a favorite Dr. Seuss book?

Drop a buzz.

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Pic, Source: www.seussville.com

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SIA: Be Determined

Self-Improvement Awareness Month
Determination

Are you determined to succeed? Anyone one would answer with a "yes" to that question. But why is it that people's actions do not display a high degree of determination to reach their goals?

Fact is, for some, reaching success is easier said than done. If there's a lack of determination, it's more than likely that you will not reach success. Have you ever had to walk a long distance in order to get to a destination? Were you almost there and then came to a huge hill to walk up? Wasn't it discouraging? The weak willed will weigh their options and just turn around, giving up on their dream; while the determined prepare themselves for this uphill battle.

"It's easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top."

- Henry Ward Beecher

Stay Determined!

♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

SIA: Don't Accept Failure!

Self-Improvement Awareness Month
A lesson on overcoming failure
No matter what road you take, or which path you choose, there will always be a mountain to climb, a roadblock, or something that may seem impossible. We may feel extraordinary and try to conquer it, and fail. But what we need to do when failure happens, is get right back to whatever it is we were doing. Failure is only temporary and we always have the option to get up, and make life work for us.

Anthony (Tony) Robbins once said, "I've come to believe that all my past failure and frustration were actually laying the foundation for the understandings that have created the new level of living I now enjoy."
Think about the last time you failed or were frustrated...did you let that hender your success, or did you use it as fuel to power your drive to succeed? Some of us live life and feel like we're so close to a dream that we can taste it, but we quit before it's in our hands. Sometimes success is that close, but there will be times where we have to get mad, and just push through. After you've walked 1000 miles, what's one more step? Why would you come so far just to give up? "Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." - Thomas Edison

The point is: Don't accept failure!
♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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SIA: Have CONFIDENCE!

There is always room for improvement, and since September is the Self-Improvement Awareness month eye'm here to help you do that!

CONFIDENCE

To succeed, you need confidence. To have confidence you must have the courage of conviction. Marianne Williamson put it this way:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeInspire: Press Forward

“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind straining toward what is ahead.” - Philippians 3:13, NIV

Are you determined to forget what lies behind? I know many people don’t fully understand what it means to forget the past. They wonder, “How can I forget something that’s happened to me?” But one definition of the word forget is to disregard intentionally, or to overlook. See, you have to intentionally disregard your past so that it doesn’t keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Sometimes our past victories keep us from rising higher as much as past failures. If we don’t let go of the old, we’ll never be able to embrace the new.

Remember, it doesn’t matter what’s happened in your history, it’s time to forget what lies behind. Make the choice today to press forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you. Trust that He’s working behind-the-scenes on your behalf. As you intentionally disregard what lies behind and press forward, I believe God will pour out His favor, grace and blessing upon you and lead you into the abundance He has prepared for you.

Today, pray that you can choose to forget the past. Don't let anything hold you back from the future God have prepared for you. Choose forgiveness and ask God to help you, by His Spirit, to press forward in every area of your life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

"Look at life through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror." - Byrd Baggett

Agree? Disagree? Comment!
♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
V103 Frank & Wanda

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When Women Need It Most

It seems that the brother Tyler Perry always delivers. We love to watch the movies, as well as criticize, but yet - WE STILL WATCH and crave more.This time around he has catered to our sisters A.K.A. "Colored Girls" as he calls them. The poster here features the inexplicably gorgeously sex Janet Jackson, the object of every mans affection, and wet dreams since the 80s. Formerly titled "Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf" (inspired by a 1975 play by Ntozake Shange), the film centers around seven women and their confessions of battles concerning love, abandonment and domestic violence.

Featuring an all-star cast including: Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington, Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Devine, Tessa Thompson, and Thandie Newton. The movie is due in theatres November 5th.

Check out the trailer:

Will you be going to see this movie?

- Basquiat

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society