The Braxton Family Values – I May Be Losing Faith

As you know, I gave up "The Cable." The sky did not fall just my monthly expenditures.

Aren't I clever? You know the sky falling but my expenditures are . . . nevermind.

Every Friday, I would search my internet for the episodes of Braxton Family Values – the one reality show that I kept on rotation. Then I watched the reunion show hosted by Wendy Williams today.

I am am convinced that reality TV is the devil!

My favorite characters – Trina, Towanda, Traci, Tamar, Miss E and Toni B – are super funny but each chick has a quote or unintelligible word phrase that must be repeated. I get it. It is all a part of branding, but do we all have to be reduced to a, "what you talkin' bout Willis?" statement. Yes, Tamar Braxton actually uses this phrase.

Ugh, why must I be so analytical? Why can't I just enjoy mindless entertainment?

Darn it, I'm educated. I have the bill to prove it. That's why.

 

Braxton
I think the Braxton sisters need an intervention – positive energy. We nerds know that without the input of energy things tend toward disorder. This show may be unraveling and I need this show. I can't go back to scripted TV. I just cannot!

How about showcasing what these women are accomplishing now that they have the spotlight? Toni Braxton is still a superstar. Tamar and Vince have a spin-off show. I have got some great ideas for the rest of the cast.

Trina can go on tour. Towanda can take an acting class. Traci can do everybody's hair.  Miss E can hand out bible verses and peppermint candy. Just kidding. Ms. E is superduper fabulous. I love her!

Now how difficult was that WeTv?

On the positive side, the girls looked fabulous and Trina's hair was EVERYTHING to me. *cue Monica singing* After all, this is why I watch. Where else can you see women of color, going to fab parties, wearing the latest fashion, spending exorbitant amounts of money on shoes with red bottoms and hobnobbing with a superstar sister?

I will allow myself to feel intellectually superior to other reality tv junkies who devour lessor quality shows like the Kardashians or Real Housewives of wherever they call women who are not married housewives as I wait patiently for next season to get my full of Braxton Family Values.

Hypocitical much? Don't judge me! lol

Braxton Family Values – Poor Toni

I love reality TV. These are my confessions. *Cue Usher* My show du jour is Braxton Family Values.

I love how it displays the complexities of the sisterly dynamic in families. I have several sisters, and believe you me, I understand. Sometimes family does not see the evolution of you as an individual, as a woman and as an adult. To them, I am little sister. That, my friend, can complicate things.

I totally get Toni Braxton's point in this clip.

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1
 

Background: Tamar (Toni's little sister) is married to Vince (Toni's manager). Vince also manages other groups including Lady Gaga. Well, we all know Lady Gaga is doing well but Toni's career has suffered missteps. Toni is tired of mixing family and business. Toni decides to disclose her feelings during a dinner and fireworks follow.

What do you guys think about family and business mixing?

Counting My Blessings

Have you ever looked at someone and thought their life must be so perfect or at least better than mine?

I thank God for MY LIFE and everyone and thing in it.

Tamia

I was watching the Soult Train Awards on yesterday and Tamia performed. She sang beautifully. She looked flawless. Married to Grant Hill with two children – her life seemed a fairytale. I was so shocked to learn that she is battling multiple sclerosis.

Though there is no "good" time to receive an MS diagnosis, Tamia's diagnosis came during an especially trying time for her and her husband. Grant had recently returned from the hospital where Tamia had rushed him when he developed a staph infection after surgery on his ankle left him with convulsions and a 104 degree temperature. Tamia started experiencing numbness in her hands and feet and unexplained severe fatigue. It was then Grant's turn to take her to the hospital. Three doctors, a misdiagnosis of a pulled muscle, and several MRIs later, Tamia was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Soon after, while out of the country celebrating their anniversary, Tamia had her first frightening attack. "Literally, I could not lift a pen. I could not get out of bed. I had to fill out customs forms to come back and my husband had to fill them out because I could not write," she told Jet. SOURCE

The same with Toni Braxton – beautiful, talented, and battling debilitating illnesses, heart disease and lupus. I read that Tamia's MS is in remission. Thank God for that.

You just never know what another person is struggling with. I am very conscious of how good God is. These women are alive and still counting their blessings. I am going to continue to count mine.

My mom, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, life, health, strength, a good mind, passion, gifts, hopes, salvation, determination and the list goes on and on. How dare I be depressed?