Always CAPTIVATING

Today I decided to take my iPod out of the shadows and listen to the beats being hummed into my ears. As I sit here and wait, many of the songs bring back memories of love, friendship, and independence. It's a blessing to know I am loved and that I am able to share my love and passion with everyone around me. For example, "Dreaming of You" reminds me of the ways I can fall asleep and dream about being embraced, loved, and cherished by the one I love. Then there is another song that empowers women by deconstructing all those stereotypes about women. The song is called "Yo No Soy Esa Mujer" ("I'm not that Woman"). In the song, the artist Paulina Rubio describes herself as being that girl that is not going to stop being herself just because you told her to. She's not going to stop being the woman she is just because you are a man. After listening to the song, I felt empowered and told myself to follow my dreams no matter the cost. But then "Bleeding Love" reminded me of the heartbreak I will experience in doing so. It's important to be strong, while at the same time recognizing and embracing my weaknesses. I used to think my tears were my biggest weakness, but I have come to embrace them as my strength. Through my tears I cleanse my soul of my biggest fears, my anguish, and my pain. Then again, I also share immense joy, love, and happiness through my tears. With or without a broken heart I will always be bleeding love. In fact, I look up to the one I aspire to be like, JESUS. Only he hasn't let me down and he's the one who truly embraces me for who I am and pushes me to go for it, to fulfill my purpose and mission in life. It's no wonder why after "Bleeding Love" Jesus reminded me that he will always be there to mend the broken pieces through the song "Your Love is Extravagant." He has definitely CAPTIVATED my heart. I'm in love with those that have made a positive impact in my life, but I am most in love with the one that always CAPTIVATES my heart, OFFERS me an intimate friendship, and FORGIVES my sins - JESUS. My heart jumps for joy because "It's Always Been You" Jesus. I love because he loved us. So today my friend I want to remind you that YOU'RE WORTH IT and that you're always CAPTIVATING. Have a blessed day everyone!

"What matters to you in life? Are you spending your valuable time in what matters? Do not follow someone else's dreams, don't just wander through life, and don't just go with society's flow. You were meant for more. Do everything with a purpose of your own... Clearly define where you want to go in life." -Jorge Raziel Ortiz, FB Post 7/8/11

Song Credits:

1. "Dreaming of You" - Selena
2. "Yo No Soy Esa Mujer" - Paulina Rubio
3. "Bleeding Love" - Leona Lewis
4. "Your Love is Extravagant" - Casting Crowns
5. "It's Always Been You" - Chris August

Inside the School of Education at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor