The Rose that grew from concrete...

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Today, I had a chat with my sister and close family members and while we were laughing and discussing things, it came to my attention that some people are too involved in the lives of others. They do not concentrate on their own lives; instead, they examine the deeds of others and find fault with everything they do. They fail to see that by doing this, they do not learn anything. They do not gain anything in any way. Instead, they lack something in their lives.

I have mentioned it before, I love quotes, I love words, and I get lost in them. I find inspiration in all kinds of words, from all kinds of people. Some of my favourite quotes come from Tupac Shakur. So while I was being informed about the pathetic things that people were saying about me and others close to me, a beautiful quote came to mind.

‘It’s like if you plant something in the concrete and if it grows and the rose petals got all kinda scratches and marks, you ain’t gonna say, “Damn, look at all the scratches and marks on the rose that grew from the concrete…” you gonna be like “DAMN! A ROSE grew from the CONCRETE?”………. We wouldn’t ask why a rose that grew from the concrete for having damaged petals, in turn, we would all celebrate its tenacity, we would all love its will to reach the sun, well, we are the roses, this is the concrete and these are my damaged petals, don’t ask me why, thank God and ask me how.’

-Tupac Shakur, The Rose That Grew From Concrete

Those words came to mind, because I see myself as a rose that grew from the concrete. All those people who are constantly scrutinized and criticized, yet flourish and overcome, are roses that grew in the concrete. Their surroundings may not always be favourable, but they grow. Their tenacity is what pulls them through. Even when people tell them they cannot do it, even when life throws a few curve balls their way, even when they are planted in barren land, they grow. With damaged petals and a few battle stories, we go through life with our heads held high, because although we are a bit damaged, we survived all odds. And that is something to be proud of.

Today, I am proud. I walk around with my damaged petals because I know I am not perfect, but I have made it and I continue to make it. I seek out the sun when the clouds come my way. And when I hear a whole bunch of crap being said, I softly tell myself, ‘I am the rose that grew from concrete.’

As Tupac Shakur would say, ‘the seed must grow, regardless of the fact that it is planted in stone.’

 

Take Care


Miss Stone

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