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The Non-Traditional Hustler

            Can I get a high five for all my hard working hustlers out there?  Those of you who are truly hustling will fully understand what I mean by that.  I am talking about my sisters and brothers out there doing what they have to do to provide for their families.  I have been noticing lately the increasing numbers of men and women who work fulltime jobs, but have some kind of part-time gig on the side.  Whether it be my girl Marian, who is raising her son alone, working fulltime, and selling Mary Kay on the side.   Or that brother that has to fix cars on the weekends to supplement his income in order to keep his family together.  I just want to acknowledge the fact that we, on the whole, are natural born hustlers.  The drive and determination it takes to keep fighting, no matter how great the obstacles is one thing that I admire in my people.  Our legacy has always been that we can and do make something out of nothing. 

  That resourcefulness dates back to our ancestors who, when given the scraps left over from the pig, made something out of nothing and called them “chitlins”.  Yes indeed, we are beautiful blessed people.  I observe many of my friends and associates making something out of nothing each and every day.  Struggling, but surviving.  My mind stops for a minute.  I can see our ancestors slaving sun up to sun down, but singing spirituals all the while and I ponder the question: 

 What is it that keeps us going?  What is the common thread between each and every one of us that keeps us on a hustle to survive and do better?

  The common thread between us all is our belief in a higher power.  No matter how near or far you are from the church, we all call on the Creator to keep us strong and help us to hold on through hard times.  The Spirit is what keeps us connected.  And it is the spirit that will bring us closer to our ultimate goals.  Faith is what drives the hustler in you and I.  When bills are long and money is short, who is the first one we call on? what is the first thing we say?  “Oh Lord, please help me make it through!”  It is almost second nature.   We say, “Lord have mercy” in regular conversation, and maybe never even realize that for each and every time we say it, he has already given us that and more.

  I feel the crunch of the economy just like everyone else.  But what keeps me pressing towards the mark (hustling) is the fact that I know in my heart there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Just as long as I have faith and believe, the hustle will not be in vain.  Believe that. 

                                                                          by Bridgette Hogan
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If you have any questions or comments you can email Bridgette: soulflower@blacksonville.com

Bridgette is a contributing writer of Blacksonville.com