Moving forward, when I think of September 30, it will always be a day of deep and personal reflection.  Yesterday, I was taught that best way to prepare for Heaven’s perfect timing is to be open.   Open, the strange thing about “open” is that I have been studying this word for quite some time now, not realizing that it can be an adjective, verb, and noun.  I choose to focus on the latter because open was what I experienced yesterday.   Though everything happened so fast, it seemed to happen in a panoramic slow-motion reel as well. I remember, as I walked around the beautiful ACE Event and Conference Center, I saw an opportunity for greater.   Now, it could have been the laid-back vibe of the scenery or maybe the family reunion type of feel that was evident.  All I know is that everything felt familiar. The owners, Vince and Patrice, made one feel as if one was visiting their favorite aunt and uncle with their welcoming smiles while being professional, yet personal at the same time.  

As I toured the facility in preparation for Ledisi’s Book Signing, I was reminded of the beauty and power of social media. First-time meetings were reunions because of our many connections.  Though many of us were “six degrees of Kimberly Winborne,“ it is nice to know that the world still consists of good, kindhearted people.  It was refreshing to see that it could be true even for those in politics. This was affirmed by the earnest, refined, and relational demeanor of Knightdale’s City Mayor, James A. Roberson. Our first encounter, were that of friends of old.  This seems to be the culture of either Knightdale or Ace Event and Conference Center, either way, it seemed to be one in same, simply put, the beauty of community.

As our special guest, 12-time Grammy nominated, vocal powerhouse Ledisi arrived, it was not an ostentatious superstar, but reminiscent of a friend, a homegirl, or that favorite cousin visiting from college. She greeted each person with hugs and laughter as if she was just catching up on old times.   She managed to transform her jovial, light spirit into an atmosphere fitting for an intimate Q&A Session. Though there were nearly a 100 people present, she made each person feel as if she was there with only them.   As she spoke about her book, The Walk: Accepting Your Life As It Is Now, she didn’t speak as a salesperson but as a person who wanted the best for anyone that she encounters.   She dropped several nuggets of wisdom such as the importance of walking into stages of life, being the light in every situation, and the need to let go of bitterness because it weighs one down. 

As I stepped back and took everything in, I realized that I had become a fan of two incredible people: Ledisi, the author, and Kimberly Dixon.   There was a transitioned and revelation of the exquisite complexities of the human phenomenon.  It was there, that I saw two people in a different light. In the past, when I thought of Ledisi, I would only think of the “VOICE.”  Not once, did I think of her, the person, or the journey and message of this incredible being, who happens to be a dynamic singer.  The same lesson was taught about Kimberly Dixon.  In the past, I have always thought of Kimberly as the Joyful Living Coach and the friend I do graphics work for; but after yesterday, I realized that there is an astounding force within Kimberly that I didn’t see before.  

In less than 30 days, Kimberly Dixon managed to form a committee, corral sponsors, volunteers, and host an event without busting a sweat.  I am sure there were some sleepless nights, but it wasn’t apparent. I am sure there was some fear; however, that, I couldn’t see as well.  I was introduced to business mogul who played no games and was committed to her word and managing a seamlessly successful event.  As she asked  Ledisi question after question, I became a bigger fan of Kimberly Dixon.   She carried her southern charm elegance like a badge of honor and her grace was stellar.  Though I was a committee member, I was in awe of the proficient execution.   None of this would have been done, had Kimberly Dixon not spearheaded it.  Had she not been open; yes, open to the possibility of whatever.   We would have missed a wonderful opportunity to learn and appreciate the blessing in being open.