Talk show host, Tavis Smiley, believes each of us should have a personal mission statement for our own lives. His statement contains what he refers to as the three e's:  to enlighten people, to encourage people, and to empower people.   One of the ways he feels he lives out his mission is through his daily television show which gives him the opportunity to provide his viewers with helpful, creative, and insightful information.   
 
During a recent interview with Grammy award winner India Arie, Smiley asked her to share her mission statement.  Without hesitation Arie indicated her mission is to spread love, healing and peace through the power of words and music.  Like Smiley, she is confident her musical career provides her the opportunity to fulfill her life's mission.   Songs such as Brown Skin from her first, nine times Grammy nominated CD, Acoustic Soul, and the later released single, I Am Not My Hair, brought the world's attention to her inspiring and heartfelt gift of music.   
 
Her most recent CD, Testimony:  Vol.2, Love & Politics, holds true to her mission.  Some critics claim the CD is too positive and upbeat.  Some have problems with it being too political.  Still others hear it as a welcomed voice of encouragement in difficult times.
Indeed she covers a variety of issues with joy and hope.  Chocolate High with Music Soulchild expresses being happily in love, Ghetto compares poverty in Los Angeles with world poverty in places such as Bombay.  Problems remaining from Hurricane Katrina and other issues are addressed in Better Way.  Always staying true to her musical originality, hip/hop, jazz, blues, and rock can all be heard in her moving and soul stirring style. 
 
India Arie says she does not allow fame or fortune to dictate her musical mode or song selections.  She is intentional about creating music that is true to her soul; music she feels will be helpful to others; music that is true to her mission. Over the years her music has been used in a variety of campaigns such as the Breast Cancer Awareness and Oprah"s Leadership Academy for Girls.  Her career has provided her the opportunity to travel to Africa a number of times serving as a spokesperson in the AIDS crisis.  She has received numerous awards throughout the years, e.g., BET, NAACP, MTV, VH1, Essence Magazine, etc.  Still, the only thing motivating her is to be true to her personal mission statement. 
 
At age 33, India Arie is an excellent role model for both young and old.  So the question for today is - What is your life mission? 

 
 Diane Brenda Williams, D.Min