My kiddos convinced me to go to a massive indoor mall today. The first store I walked in was:

Akira

As soon as I entered, I heard a throwback R&B jam that I liked and started dancing!

Then 2 seconds later I heard through the speakers:

B*…. suck my D*

I’m in the store holding Glory’s hand (age 4) like wait…these are the actual lyrics…they playing unedited?!?

I was so shocked – cause first of all I’ve never heard the raw version of Jeremih – Don’t Tell Em’!

I looked around to see if anyone else was bothered by the disrespect.

Bahahahahahaha

Nope! People just kept shopping like normal – I was so suprised!

I guess they are all:

“B* who suck D*”

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I’m kidding, yet know I’m only saying that to make you feel “comfortable”. But I mean…if they aint trippin over the lyrics – perhaps they align?

Not me and my daughter!

Personally, I know they not talkin to me! Cause again, I aint nobody’s B*!

Yall not about to be attacking me and my daughter’s identity while taking my money!

I tried to push past it and keep shopping…I even mentioned my shock to some ladies I saw browsing next to me, telling them:

“I can’t believe they playing the actual lyrics…”

They were not bothered.

Psh, I’ll keep my money, honey! Hmph!

I chose to exit the store even though they had cute outfits! I wanted to really shop, but I was feeling assaulted by the lyrics despite the satisfying to my flesh beat!

As I visited other stores in the mall – I kept thinking on if I should say something to a worker in the store. I thought ” Oh here you go again Lonisa – just let the people be – you don’t have to call out everything you see – you didn’t like it – you left – be done.”. But then I also thought “What are you hurting by kindly telling them the truth of your experience?”.

I went back to Akira on my way out.

I walked to the cashier desk and talked to a woman who appeared to be in an authoritative role. I shared with her that I had feedback – that I had been in the store earlier with my young daughter and wanted to shop. I shared that they were jammin’ and started singing the lyrics of the song so she could perhaps remember it. I told her that I was caught off guard by the “B*..Suck My D*” – (I said it unedited). I told her that I wanted to shop and spend money, but that the profanity deterred me – especially with my young daughter present. I told her that I battled with sharing this with them as I didn’t want to push my values on them – but also that they may be losing business because others may feel the same way. I told her she doesn’t have to listen, but I recommend they play the clean versions and that I hope she receives my message with love. I shared how I could just write about this to others, but that I also want to share with them directly so they know. The woman listened intently and apologized she told me she understands and that she has a daughter that is 5 – so she gets it. It was actually a very calm and beautiful moment. All I did was share my heart and my experience – it was the truth delivered in love. I really wanted to shop there, but being called a “B*” and being told to “suck d*” was a no for me – especially as I was holding Queen Glory’s hand. I teach her to not take that type of talk from others so why should we shop somewhere that is blasting that into our precious ear gates. I just wrote the other day about protecting our gates – then boom – I was tested on if I was gonna stand on business myself while out in the world.

You know with giving these kind of messages I often feel discomfort because I don’t want to offend, but then I am reminded that those same people I care about – didn’t care about how I felt with what they were doing. Then there is always this thought of rejection – to which I overcome by thinking – what does their acceptance really do for me long term? How does their rejection really harm me? It doesn’t. I’ll probably never see that woman again.

Yes, that song being blasted was called “Don’t Tell Em”, but over here I’m absolutely snitchin’!

I hope this encourages you to say something if you see somethin’ – chances are there are others who have not yet tapped into their God given strength to speak up!

Any strength you see on display from this post comes from Jesus. I personally, prefer to hide out. I am thankful that God gave me the words to say in that moment for the specific woman I spoke to.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:20

You know what is hilarious! When I pulled up to the mall I was blasting this song – about following Jesus, lacing my boots, and putting on my backpack. I am following Jesus, I was wearing laced up boots, and had on a crossover backpack with the patch “Don’t Mistake My Kindness For Weakness”. I wore a red sweater draped over my shoulders – with the back words on display “Spicy”.

Stay A Snitch,