One of my favorite spaces to go to show my talents and gifts in spoken word has called it quits. Relish on Ogontz Avenue, operated by the Bynum brothers, closes its doors on January 22.
Relish was my place of “cheer,” where I knew everybody and they knew me, whether we knew each other’s exact name or not — we typically did — but Relish was my “Cheers.” The restaurant served as a place of comfort, a place of great food and good conversations, and most of all, a place for talents and gifts to be showcased.
At Relish, you experienced vocalists of all genres of music, be it R&B, blues, hip hop, independent songwriter’s original compositions, or the remakes — which we heard on numerous occasions — and songs of other vocalists performed with passion and profound chords.
“Thirsty Thursdays” at Relish showcased drummers and guitarists, keyboardists and saxophone players — yeah, so many talents flowed out of these individuals there.
Not to be forgotten were the poets getting down with their spoken word pieces, and who also shared the open mic stage. I was the house poet. Back in the day, it was called “Wine Down Wednesdays” with the ultimate and talented Rich Tucker, the creator of the open mic night, who has been going at it for years, exposing his talents and gifts, giving his time on the guitar, and in his vocals. Tucker shared the stage with so many individuals here in Philadelphia, and we were all able to express our talents by way of our gifts and time.
So as you move forward in your life, each and every day, remember that you too possess talents and gifts that God gave uniquely to you.
Your talent may be in carpentry, building beautiful homes, or maybe you like hair styling — creating hair designs and cuts. You may be an architect, drawing and designing the most profound buildings. You may have a love for animals and want to take care of them, or possess a love of children and want to become teacher.
Whatever your talent and gifts are, this is the time. The moment is now to start stepping out and stepping into your God-given talents and gifts. Each and every one of you possesses one.
What is that thing that you really enjoy doing? What is that space that just snatches your heart and it takes away all of your available time? Those are the areas that you are talented in. What about those interests that you have? Your passions and talents can be revealed through them — the museums you go to, the shows that you watch, the interests that captivate your soul and motivates your heart to stay in it.
Allow your mind to grasp the ideology and the actions of becoming who you desire to become. There are many facets of greatness that God created in you. Be sure that you are seeking your greatness through the talents and gifts that are inside of you. Step out of your fear and step into your progression of ‘yes,’ of getting it, of becoming what it is you desire to become, and allow God to hold your hand as you walk together through the process.
Be still and listen — because He will tell you what to do, and how to do it. He will bring others into your space who will also guide and direct you; they may not even realize that it is happening, and neither will you. Then one day when you look back, you are going to say, “Thank you, God, for uplifting me, for walking with me, and for holding my hand as I journeyed into my talents and gifts.”
You may have multiple talents and gifts because you are multi-crafted, multi-talented, and ever so great. Never forget how great you are. Always know that you are able to do it. And most of all, never give up!
Let’s start walking in your talents and gifts today. Let’s start showing the world who you really are. Be blessed as you expose your true sense of yourself. Until next time…PEACE!
cj is a poet, educator, motivational speaker, and inspirational writer who resides in Philadelphia. If you were moved by this piece, shoot her a “like” or comment at: [email protected].
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