by Mary J. Blige has been one of my biggest inspirations for decades. Her incredible vocal talents and emotionally raw songwriting have soundtracked my life ever since I first heard “Real Love” on the radio as a teenager. But beyond her musical genius, what I most admire about Mary is her resilience, authenticity, and commitment to lifting others up. This was evident once again during her recent interview with Oprah, when she shared the simple yet powerful motto she lives by: “Be a blessing.”
These three words perfectly capture Mary’s spirit of generosity, compassion, and desire to make the world a better place. It’s a motto that has shaped both her music and her activism, encouraging people from all walks of life to embrace their own light within and spread more kindness.
Mary has never been afraid to get personal in her lyrics, bravely sharing stories of her own pain and struggles. Yet she balances those darker emotions with messages of hope, empowerment, and triumph over adversity. Songs like “I’m Goin’ Down,” “Not Gon’ Cry,” and “Family Affair” acknowledge hardship but ultimately highlight the incredible strength of the human spirit. Mary doesn’t dwell in the darkness – she shines a light to help herself and her listeners through it.
This unique blend of raw vulnerability and uplifting inspiration has touched millions of lives, including my own. When I was at my lowest points battling depression, Mary’s music reassured me I wasn’t alone. Hearing her voice those same feelings of hurt and self-doubt reminded me that even the strongest among us have those moments of darkness. But we can choose to turn our pain into art, help others through shared understanding, and come out stronger on the other side.
Beyond her lyrics, Mary’s personal integrity and generosity of spirit allow her “be a blessing” motto to shine through. She’s endured many hardships with grace and dignity, never letting bitterness or cynicism override her commitment to lifting people up. Despite her own challenging upbringing and struggles with addiction, Mary radiates warmth and wisdom.
She’s always looking for ways to positively impact her community, whether it’s donating to charities like Feeding America or opening a youth center in her hometown of Yonkers. And she uses her platform to speak out on issues like racial injustice and environmental protection. Mary lives her values through action, determined to leave the world a little better than she found it.
Seeing the way Mary glows from within, exuding joy and confidence even after all she’s overcome, inspires me to embrace my own light. Her motto reminds me that perhaps the most important way I can “be a blessing” is by fully accepting myself, flaws and all. Mary teaches that our greatest gift to the world starts with doing the inner work to appreciate our own unique beauty.
As a young black woman, I’ve faced my share of prejudice and discrimination. The world too often tries to put women like me in a box, make us feel “less than.” But trailblazers like Mary exude self-love and self-worth that is contagious. Seeing her success, accolades and cultural impact makes me proud to be exactly who I am.
By boldly celebrating her identity in her music and media persona, Mary gives other black women permission to walk in our truth without apology or compromise. Her confidence and uncompromising sense of self sets an example I aspire to every day. Even when others try to tear me down or make me doubt myself, Mary’s fearless attitude empowers me to clapback with “No More Drama” and keep my head held high.
At times, the pressure to be “strong” or keep up a facade of having it all together can feel exhausting. But Mary’s willingness to be emotionally naked and share her vulnerabilities resonates deeply. She gives us all permission to take off our masks, let down our walls, and give voice to our deepest pains and insecurities through music, poetry, or whatever creative outlet heals our spirit.
By opening her heart and soul so honestly in her lyrics, Mary held up a mirror that let me see the light within myself, even when I struggled to see that light on my own. Her music said what I needed to hear during my darkest times of abuse, grief, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Mary’s voice echoed through my headphones, telling me “You Remind Me” how strong I am, assuring me that this too shall pass, uplifting me to “Take Me As I Am.”
Whenever I hit rock bottom, Mary was there reaching out a hand, comforting me “Just Fine,” reminding me that I’m “Good Woman Down,” guiding me to self-love with anthems like “Feel Like a Woman.” Simply knowing she overcame so much herself gave me hope that I could make it through my trials, walk through the fire and get to the other side.
So when Mary says “be a blessing,” I take those words to heart. Because her music has been such a blessing in my life, I aim to pass on that light to others who need it. I now volunteer for a suicide prevention hotline, sharing the same compassion, reassurance, and non-judgement Mary gifts her fans. The ripple effect of Mary’s music inspires me to keep paying her uplifting impact forward.
Outside of her lyrics, Mary also uses her platform to speak out on social justice issues that impact the black community and other oppressed groups. She’s marched for racial equality, advocated for LGBTQ rights, and raised money for HIV/AIDS research. True to her motto, Mary shares her spotlight to amplify important causes and support those fighting for human rights.
Seeing a superstar of Mary’s caliber get political always inspires me. Most artists shy away from being “controversial,” but Mary fearlessly calls out racism, sexism, police brutality and other injustices because she knows her voice can create change. She lends her celebrity to movements like Black Lives Matter not just through donations but through showing up in the streets herself.
By boldly taking a stand, Mary reminds me that none of us can stay silent. We all have an obligation to speak out against the oppression of others, even if it puts a target on our own backs. Her courage renews my own conviction to keep showing up, keep having the difficult conversations, keep chipping away at injustice wherever I see it.
One of the most admirable ways Mary embodies her motto is through her charity work. Despite her own difficult upbringing, Mary has always given back to help kids avoid similar trauma. She created the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN), which supports women by providing scholarships, mentorship programs and financial assistance.
FFAWN and Mary’s other philanthropic work extends her message of empowerment far beyond her lyrics. She’s creating real, on-the-ground change, helping women gain the tools and resources they need to build better lives. This hands-on work perfectly embodies the spirit of “be a blessing” – not just talking about uplifting others, but putting in the work to make it happen.
Mary’s desire to leave the world better than she found it also shines through in her environmental advocacy. She’spartnered with organizations like the Rainforest Alliance, using her platform to raise awareness about issues like climate change and deforestation. True to her blessing motto, Mary thinks globally, recognizing that making the world a little brighter means protecting the planet itself.
This inspirational mindset stays with me whenever I face a choice between convenience and sustainability. I think “What would Mary do?” and picture her defending Mother Earth with one hand while lifting up its people with the other. Her holistic approach to blessing the world motivates me to consider how all my actions can have an impact.
Of course, Mary blesses the world most through her singular musical gift. She has soundtracked my life for decades, helping me dance through the good times and cry through the bad ones. Whenever I hear that magnificent voice, it feels like reconnecting with an old friend who knows me inside and out.
Other artists come and go, but Mary remains my constant companion. Whether I’m blasting “Family Affair” on a road trip with my girls or sobbing to “Not Gon Cry” after a bad breakup, Mary is right there with me. Her music never fails to energize and inspire me.
Mary’s willingness to get personal and vulnerable so we don’t feel alone in our own vulnerability is what endears her to millions. She offers catharsis, empathy and strength from her inner light that many of us tap into during our darkest hours. The way she turns pain into uplifting art is nothing short of alchemy.
So thank you, Mary, for being such a blessing. For shining your light so brightly that it guides us out of our own darkness. For gifting us your wisdom, comfort, compassion and encouragement through song all these years. The world is better for having your brave, authentic spirit in it. You inspire me every day to “be a blessing” and spread more light – starting first and foremost by loving myself.
Keep preaching self-care and self-love, Queen. Reminding us of our strength, resilience and beauty within. Staying true to who you are while lifting so many up. You blessed me during my teen years, and continue blessing me today. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Mary J, for being the soundtrack and north star guiding so many of us to a brighter day.
