My dearest Beyoncé,
I hope this letter finds you in perfect health and in the highest of spirits. My name is Jahmeel and I am just one who stands amongst your millions of adoring and loyal fans. But more specifically, I remain rooted in the ever present and may I add, militant ranks of the BeyHive. Over the years I have had the pleasure of watching you grow as an artist, though unfortunately I have up to this date been unable to attend one of your shows, I have made it a point of duty to incorporate your music (from all 6 albums) into my everyday routine.
It heals me. It reminds me that life is merely a reflection of whatever I think and perceive it to be. It gives me comfort in times of distress and fuels my desire to always strive for excellence in whatever I do. More importantly however, I take from it the vision of perseverance and independence; never being lazy or allowing anyone to do for me what I know I can do for myself. And yes, though many would argue saying so many other artists hold the same ideal, the timelessness of your well crafted art and the intensity of your work ethic is, in my opinion, what separates you - THE WOMAN - from the girls.
It strikes a beam of glory; a vision to strive towards. It is the voice that comes not from the physical body but also from the spirit; a serene song with sublime lines that touch - influence and call to rise - the hearts of so many. I know this because, like so many others, I have felt it. The year was 2008, I was on my way to school at the point in time and "Halo" came on on the radio. Something about those lyrics, "remember those walls I built, well baby their tumbling down, they didn't even put up a fight, they didn't even make a sound / I found a way to let you in, but I never really had a doubt, standing in the light of your halo, I got my angel now..." changed my life forever.
At the time I had been suffering from severe depression and strange to say, it was as though your words were stitching up all my doubts and fears with those opening lines. I thank you Beyoncé, not just for your music, but for your beautiful spirit which you've shared with us. Forget the magazines, the flashing lights, the cameras and make-up, through your music my vision of life and love has taught me this: that love is the ability to see into the heart of someone else and find a piece of yourself - no matter how small - and love that part of them as though it was inside of you. If all people could see themselves as good and that there is good in each other, then in my opinion, there would be peace on earth.
I am grateful and blessed to be alive in this time. Stay pretty. Stay petty (lol) but most importantly, stay Beyoncé and we will be 'dangerously in love' with you till the 'end of time'. The haters will talk. But that's what their there for. Criticism will come, but iron sharpeneth iron. This is you. In this moment. This is you and you are and can only be, who you know you are and who you can be. I close by saying, once again, thank you for everything. So many miles away yet by the pounding in my chest I feel your gift making me whole and more aware everyday. Have a safe tour and may the universe shower you with even more blessings so you can shower us with even more music. Oh, and put "Sorry" on vevo. Love you, Queen.
- Jahmeel.
