*Keeping this brief until the movie has been out a little longer.*
I was fortunate to be able to see the “Black Panther” movie the very first opening night. This movie is so captivating from beginning to end. It is so much more than simply a superhero movie, it delivers so many messages, ideals and traditions. It is not only shattering movie records, it is shattering negative stereotypes. I will not go into a lot of detail about the movie’s premise because I feel everyone needs to see the movie for themselves and form their own opinion. However, I will discuss the messages I derived from the movie.
First, let me state how proud this movie has made me. It was refreshing to see our black community depicted in such an elegant and regal manner. The movie managed to entertain while educating without preaching; and that is a rare achievement. The overall message to me is about Unity – unity in our community , unity between our black men and women and unity among different races.
There was honestly so much I wanted to say but with the movie being so newly released, I did not know how to say it all without giving spoilers (enough reviews have already done that). So let me just pay homage by sending a clear message to Hollywood – “All you have to do is look at the opening weekend numbers, and you will clearly see we are starved for my diversity in our movies.”
I will follow up with an additional blog to really dive into this movie after a couple of weeks have passed.
~ Author Mara Prose
Who has not made the wrong decision at one time or another in their love lives? Who is without regret for past relationships that are seen as failures? The point Ciara was making in my opinion, is that women need to learn from their past mistakes, learn to love themselves more and make better choices for their life. Besides, why attack her for supporting a sermon she agreed with that was delivered by Pastor John Gray – why not attack him?
I have to say that 2017 saw a whole new Mara. My confidence came back, my determination returned and my peace of mind finally came into play. Mara Prose Publishing grew by leaps and bounds, and it went places I never even imagined. But we shall talk about that in a moment, back to the new me. What has changed aside from what I already stated? I healed and I think that is the most important aspect of 2017, is that I healed, let go and forgave. 2017 was the official year of my divorce. In 2016, I truly believe I was trying to hold onto something that I had outgrown, that no longer existed and was terrified of the major changes taking place in my life. I can honestly admit that I truly believed we would repair our marriage, but this past year I realized and accepted that those two people who fell in love so very long ago no longer existed and that love was gone – but that it was all ok and just part of life. In 2017, I let it all go, accepted what was to be and started focusing on the path that God was laying before me. Words cannot express how happy I am at this point in my life. I also stopped doubting the God-given talent of writing and started to embrace it, develop it and hone my craft. Lastly, I rekindled relationships with estranged family, friends and co-workers and built a network of support that was so loving, nurturing and empowering, I had no choice but to grow and flourish. Life is good Prosers and I pray that 2018 is an even better year. I have to give thanks to God, my Mom, My Sister and My Best Friend Nicky W. , for bringing me back to life and encouraging all that is Mara Prose.
But let me tell you about Prosey’s Corner and the premise of my show. It is the same premise as my blog, my brand and my image: Inspiring, Motivating and Empowering people to FIND THEIR VOICE – just as I have found my voice over the past several years. My guests range from authors, CEOs, musicians, fashion designers and relationship specialist just to name a few. I have to give a shout out to 
2017 was an emphasis on LOVE for me. As I healed, I started to believe in it again. Love comes in so many forms and I have so much love in my life, it would be a shame not to embrace it. As I stated before, I have an enormous support group filled with nothing but love, encouragement and happiness for me. I tear up as I write this because it feels so good to be so loved and to be able to return that love to all my friends, family, and Prosers. I started this year being open to all that Love can bring me this year, and everyday my cup runneth over with LOVE, LOVE, and more Love.
You simply have to let go and let God. Whatever your spirtuality is, embrace it. You cannot have a victim mentality. You have to own your flaws, your mistakes, people you have hurt and acknowledge the fact that you need to constantly work on being the best YOU that YOU CAN BE. I cannot stress enough to OWN your mistakes and move past them. Let them go, accept the learning experience and grow from it. Life is beautiful and ugly all at the same time. Just always remember that everything is temporary and nothing lasts forever. Enjoy the good, remain strong through the bad and do your best to enjoy this thing we call Life.
Of course, I had to bring along my literary agent, Mara Prose manager and jack of all trades Nicky W. aka best friend since 5th grade as my co-host. There is nothing better than having someone who you love and trust along for the ride. I need to send a huge THANK YOU her way for fearlessly jumping right in with me and for all her support!
