Proud

This post is going to be a little different and somewhat shorter than my usual whinings.

I’ve found that the LOGO network on my local cable system is a wonderful resource as I continue the process of becoming more comfortable as a gay man.

The other night I happened to see a music video that I hadn’t seen before of a song that I had never heard before. It was a catchy tune…and something about it is one of those songs that just affects you on an emotional level in a very profound way. It’s uplifting. It’s got a great message.

From how the video was put together, it looked as if it appeared to be from the popular family movie, “Akeelah and the Bee.” I haven’t seen this movie. I don’t know what it’s about, but something about that song made me embark on a quest to find this song.

So on Sunday Evening, I spent quite a bit of time trying to find it. I didn’t write down the name of the song or the name of the artist. All I knew was that it used the word pride or proud……and it apparently was from the movie. It took about an hour for me to even locate a copy of the soundtrack album from this movie. The store was down to its last two copies…and there it was: Track #12, “Proud”. I listened to the demo the store had….and sure enough…that was it! So, I purchased one.

I ran out to my car…..unwrapped the CD….and fast forwarded to the cut.

There it was! I was now the proud owner of “Proud.” (No pun intended.) My daughter even commented on how great the song was. (This, from my daughter, was quite a compliment!)

It’s a joyous piece…that’s guaranteed to uplift your very soul!

The song is simply entitled, “Proud”, by Heather Small. Here are the lyrics.

I look into the window of my mind
Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind
I step out of the ordinary
I can feel my soul ascending
I'm on my way
Can't stop me now
And you can do the same

What have you done today to make you feel proud?
It's never too late to try
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
You could be so many people
If you make that break for freedom
What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Still so many answers I don't know (there are so many answers)
Realise that to question is how we grow (to question is to grow)
So I step out of the ordinary
I can feel my soul ascending
I'm on my way
Can't stop me now
And you can do the same (yeah)

What have you done today to make you feel proud?
It's never too late to try
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
You could be so many people
If you make that break for freedom
What have you done today to make you feel proud?

(yeah) We need a change (Yeah)
Do it today (yeah)
I can feel my spirit rising
(change, yeah) We need a change (yeah)
So do it today (yeah)
'Cause I can see a clear horizon

What have you done today to make you feel proud? (to make you feel proud)
(let me hear ya X3)So what have you done today to make you feel proud?
(yeah X4)'Cause you could be so many people
if you make that break for freedom
So what have you done today to make you feel proud?

In this season of Gay Pride Celebrations throughout the world….ask yourself that question….whether you’re in the closet or out.

“What have you done today to make you feel proud?”