Last week, the world lost an extremely talented actor, one who got a start, much later than usual, he died in his home, with his wife and family by his side; however, he lived a life within a few years which equaled to more than the average person who would live until they were old and gray.
This column reminds each of us how important it is to get those things done which have been assigned to our hands to do, it’s called “destiny.” We must not allow anyone in our lives to dictate to us what it is or is not for us to do.
When we are sent to this earth, each of us was given a mission by The Creator. It is up to us to listen. We hear this voice telling us our message, yet I wonder how you can ignore that voice. Millions upon millions of people ignore the clear messages we receive.
We think this message is too huge for us to accomplish. What they don’t understand is, once the Almighty has given orders you must trust the voice, whether you feel capable of getting that thing done or not. You wouldn’t be given the goal if He was not going to make way for this very thing to happen.
One of my personal testimonies to this very subject is when the Lord told me clearly to begin my radio show. He assured me that He would be there to help me make this goal happen. There were messages that He needed for me to share with listeners; and for the past ten years, He has opened doors that no man can shut!
Which leads me back to the short-lived life of Chadwick Boseman? Only 43 years old, he achieved so much during his last four years. Known for his portrayals of Jackie Robinson in “42” and James Brown in “Get on Up.” He also played the superhero Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, best known for his role as T’Challa in “Black Panther.”
Boseman died after being diagnosed with colon cancer, four years ago. His costars and friends mourn the loss of their colleague, actor and friend. Actor Denzel Washington said according to E! News, “He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short, yet illustrious career. God bless Chadwick Boseman.”
Quietly done, Oscar winning actor Denzel Washington isn’t just a fan of Chadwick, he actually paid for the Black Panther star’s acting classes back in the day, when Boseman was a student in acting classes at Howard University. In an interview with TV host Jimmy Fallon, Chadwick explained how Phylicia Rashad was his teacher at Howard University at the time. She encouraged him to join a summer exchange program to take acting classes at Oxford University. Chadwick told the television audience how he didn’t have the money for the program, so his teacher (Rashad) asked some of her celebrity friends to cover the tuition. He continued by saying, “When I came back, I got a beneficiary letter, and it said Denzel Washington paid for you.” When Denzel attended the Black Panther premiere, Chadwick let Denzel know how grateful he was for financing his acting classes all those years ago.
Chadwick Boseman worked during his last few years without mentioning his trials and tribulations. He was determined to turn his pain into purpose. Through chemotherapy and the many requirements of colon cancer, he never said a mumblin’ word, not even to those who acted right beside him. The family said in a statement, “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much, ranging from Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and more – all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, visit her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on Twitter @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.