You and the Majorette

Once upon a time I was in a band. Not a small-enough-to-practice-in-the-garage band, but a three-hundred piece high school marching band with accessories; we had a flag team and majorettes. The majorettes were up front, wore sequined leotards, box hats, and boots with tassels, but more importantly, they wore happiness. The majorettes exuded happiness in their smiling eyes, the bounce in their march, and the energy that they threw into twirling their batons. They were up front, and on display because they radiated cheer.

I was not a majorette. I was on the flag team. We marched behind the majorettes, and wore cowboy hats with a red feather, dresses that swayed when we marched, cute jackets, and knee boots. We also wore smiles, pep in our steps, and tossed our flags into the air like there was no tomorrow. Despite our obvious flyness, some of the team compared themselves to the majorettes, and complained that they outshined us. They weren't content with their positions, hated the majorettes, and thought that they weren't as attractive because our uniforms covered more skin, and we didn't have any sequins to make us twinkle.

A decade and some change later, I am still hearing women complain that their sisters, cousins, and friends look better, and get more attention from men or they don't complain, they just accept their fate as the ugly sister, cousin, or friend, and sulk in the shadows of the majorettes in their lives. How many times have we heard that men are visual beings? This means your presence may be the only thing he gets to experience. So if your energy is low, and you don't carry yourself like a beautiful, joyful, woman, don't wonder why the majorette is getting all of his attention. Where is your bubbly energy, skill, and fly uniform?

I'll keep it real: there will always be someone more attractive and talented than you, but men aren't only interested in the product of genetics. A woman who knows that she is beautiful will walk taller, smile more, and have some pep in her step. And why shouldn't you? God blessed you with some awesome things too; figure out what they are, and work 'em! Then you'll be beautiful too, and everyone will notice. And when you and the majorette are out together, he'll have a hard time trying to decide who's the flyest!