The Place Where Even Your Dreams Believe....

When my flight touched down in Atlanta I must admit I was more than exhausted. I had worked a full day and was trying to wrap my head around the fact that I was going to be on the set with Tyler Perry in less than 24hrs. The thought alone was exhausting!!! Nonetheless, I managed to take a "big girl pill" whilw applying my false eyelashes (smile) in order to be camera ready!

I was still struggling to understand how on earth I managed to get a ticket into the hottest place in the ATL, but my chaperon for the day ( Much love and adoration to Ms. Joy!) reminded me that the favor of God is given without my input- thus I must walk in it!

That was the recurring theme yesterday at Tyler Perry Studios. With every step and gracious care that his staff gave me, I knew that I was not deserving of it- yet God was determined to show me that my steps were ordered.

The true beauty in being Miss Black USA is not the "possibility" of being seen, but the sure knowledge that I don't need to be seen by people in order to please God. He looks at who you are when no one is around. He seeks to know the girl behind the jewels.

Yesterday, I got a glimpse of the man behind the movies, books, stage-plays, and multi-million dollar business! Mr. Perry's "dreamland" of cinema and television inspired me to do more than TALK about my dreams, but have the audacity to make them a reality.

Beyond the star studded lunch and dressing rooms I noticed the true star quality was in the humility that EVERY staff member of his dreamland possessed. They wore who they were proudly, yet humbly offered it to millions of people- proving that we have nothing to prove and everything to share.

I was no longer exhausted, but re-energized.

My dreams were believing...

And knowing that is priceless...

- Shay