Adrienne Houghton Says Church Is For Broken People, Too
Can we go to Church on this beautiful Sunday afternoon, ladies? I mean, let's really fellowship and make an attempt to get real about something we may not often talk about.
I'm willing to bet that even if you didn't necessarily "grow up" in the church, there was at least one bible in your home as a child. Whether it belonged to your grandmother or you're not really sure where it came from, many Black women can say that there was at least one copy of the Good Book in their home growing up.
Historically, black people used Christianity as a refuge from the atrocities that have been committed against them over the years. But along with teachings of morality and grace that the church has to offer, comes a lot of worldly theology that is not at all of God. Church is (or should be) a place of love that can give you the boost you need to get through the next seven days, but it can also sometimes be riddled with gossip, greed, scrutiny, and scandal.
In a recent episode of The Real, Adrienne Houghton revealed that she had encountered many of those things firsthand. Recently, the TV host attended the 2019 Daytime Emmy Awards and got a multitude of backlash from the religious community for wearing clothes that were too revealing. According to some sanctified spectators, a woman of God should dress more conservatively. Adrienne explained that at times, her critics have made her more self-conscious about her image and sometimes dictates how she chooses her clothes.
"I'm not gonna front, I try even now to be conscious of it. Jeannie [Mai] gets mad at me she tells me don't change who you are. But I am conscious of it, not so much for myself but for my husband. Y'all can talk all you want about me, but you're not gonna talk about him."
Meagan Good stopped by D.L. Hughley's show and echoed this sentiment, saying that she doesn't always go to church with her husband, Devon Franklin because she sometimes feels ostracized by the church for her onscreen work. In a conversation about Meagan's comments, fellow hosts of The Real asked Adrienne how she copes with the scrutiny she often receives due to her marriage to Israel Houghton. She explained:
"I get it pretty bad. I take that and I never complain about it because, at the end of the day, I'm not here for you, I'm here for Jesus. And I feel God's love every day in my like And people don't realize, Church is like a hospital. It's for the broken people, it's not for the ones who are already saved."
Adrienne had this message for her critics:
"We need Jesus, so instead of pushing us away, you should accept us with open arms. If you see somebody doing something wrong, be an example of God's love. They say come as you are, but do you make people feel that way?"
She explained that although like Meagan, she's had a few negative encounters, she won't let those experiences define her relationship with God or with the church as a whole. The church should be an institution where you can go to give and get love, as well as deepen our connection with God. Unfortunately, sometimes Sister Shirley is too busy worrying about what you're wearing for anybody to really get a word.
Adrienne says that instead of being the type of Christian that's hypercritical of everything and everyone that doesn't fit our belief system, we should try another route: empathy.
"Let people have their own conviction. Maybe be quiet and pray for them. And again, if you feel I've done something wrong, pray for me. And maybe God will speak to me and maybe make me recognize where I'm wrong. But that's again, for me and Christ to have that conversation, not for you."
For women who do feel judged and isolated in your current church environment, maybe it's time to move around, sis. Just because that's your grandmother's church, doesn't mean you have to stay a member. Adrienne says the key to fixing your relationship with religion is in finding a church home that feels most comfortable to YOU.
"I have found places and churches and incredible people that actually don't just call themselves Christians, but they are Christ-like in the way that they love people. I'm grateful for that, I also don't make excuses for myself. I'm not perfect and I still have ways to go in my walk with Christ."
To watch the full clip, click here!
PART TWO: Meagan Good on Why She Goes to Church Less Frequentlywww.youtube.com
Featured image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line CÉCRED & Here's My Honest Review
Beyoncé is snatching our wallets yet again with her latest business venture CÉCRED. In 2023, the Texas native hinted at a potential haircare line when she posted this photo causing fans to speculate that her next project would be focused on her famous tresses - they were right. Her haircare line Cécred launched on February 20 with her first drop called The Foundation Collection which focuses on haircare first, and I can only assume that a style product line for colored-treated hair will likely follow since Beyoncé is known for slaying various shades of blonde.
As a super fan since the early 2000s, it was only right that I give an honest review of the full line and purchase the Super Fan Bundle (retailed at $265) which includes the full product line of the 8 products, as well as a branded cosmetic bag. If you’re thinking, “Girl that bundle is too pricey for me,” I can assure you that for the value you're getting, the price is quite reasonable. This bundle was an intentional and marketable way to allow consumers to experience every Cécred product.
The brand messaging surrounding Cécred has been salon-inspired, and rightfully so as an ode to Beyoncé’s upbringing growing up in her mother’s hair salon in Houston. This line is backed by science and licensed cosmetologists showing that she’s done her research and appointed the experts. Cécred's IG feed has been filled with images and videos inside of hair salons including some videos of Ms. Tina herself assisting in the styling of beauty experts who visited Cécred's private salon to have the VIP treatment!
Now, have I seen influencers, consumers, and beauty stylists using the Foundation Collection at home? Yes, but I thought it was best to experience Cécred with my go-to cosmetologist who also happens to be my Auntie Tawana. She has been my educator and go-to for hair knowledge since I was a child and has had a hand in my mom's hair health which has always been goals for me. As a little girl, my Saturdays were spent sitting in her hair salon while my mama got her hair done as I patiently waited reading Jet and ESSENCE, ever so carefully eavesdropping on the conversations of the ladies who were coming for much more than just a beauty routine, but an experience.
I’d fall asleep on the plush couch in the waiting area flipping through magazines while listening to the sultry sounds of Maxwell. And I had my first lesson in breakup empowerment when I heard Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before.” So there was no other place for me to go than to see her, and because I’m her niece, I was able to visit her private salon in her home that she calls The After Hours where upon arrival I was greeted with my favorite Black-owned sparkling Rosé, candles lit, and my aunt’s breakdown of Cécred.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
But let me refocus and share my salon experience as I tried Cécred for the first time.
If You’re Wondering…Who is Cécred For?
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
When news of Beyoncé potentially launching a beauty brand hit the internet, there were a bunch of predictions of what and who the line would be marketed towards and if she’d have any wig care products as she’s known for slaying her units! But she went in a totally different direction which I love, and I’m going to tell you why. Critics have questioned if Beyoncé should be venturing into the haircare industry because she is often seen in weaves and wigs, but true Beyoncé fans know that she has healthy hair and that, like many Black women, experiments with various styles.
Cécred was created for all hair types and textures, including straight to coily, virgin, color-treated, chemically processed, and heat-styled. As a Black woman who has worn wigs, had chemically processed hair, heat-styled, natural, and color-treated hair, let me tell you, this was no easy feat! The amount of money I’ve spent on my hair through its various changes just on product alone, forget styling has been astronomical.
Cécred is serving the needs of various hair types in textures and I truly believe that this is going to make Beyoncé a true competitor in the hair industry amongst brands that are comparable such as OUAI and Olaplex. Both competitor brands have similar items at a higher price point and unlike Cécred, their products and brand messaging haven’t always felt inclusive to Black women and other hair types.
Cécred has been tested inclusively and the reviews from various hair types and backgrounds of consumers are allowing the brand to stand out.
I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line Cécred: My Honest Review
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
My hair has never felt cleaner and it shined for well over a week following the styling (but the oil should be used sparingly if like me, oil can weigh down your hair.) Immediately when my hair touched the sink, my aunt told me that she saw all the dirt and oils lifting from my hair when she applied the clarifying shampoo. As a girl who loves my curls, I am often judgy when I use any other shampoo and conditioner aside from Pattern, but not this time.
When my aunt guided my hands across my hair, she showed me how my curls weren’t tangled, and how she didn’t need to comb out my curls before applying the moisturizing deep conditioner or the deconstructing treatment mask.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
She applied each step with care and walked me through the process, and to my surprise, the hair mask wasn’t thick - but through trial and error as a natural girl, I’ve learned that a thick mask doesn’t always equal what’s best for your hair. She styled me with a silk press that left my hair with shine and I can honestly say that each step of the line is needed especially if you are someone who changes up your hair and deals with breakage. If your hair is healthy, you can opt out of the reconstructing treatment mask but I recommend taking the product line to your salon, having a discussion with your stylist on where your hair health needs improvement, and then purchasing based on that.
We know ourselves better than anyone else, but your stylist knows your hair better than you do. I like to lead with their knowledge first and then incorporate what my hair goals are. If you’re a girly who’s committed to hair health and has either the discipline to incorporate each step at home or can bring your products to the salon, Cécred is for you no matter if you’re a silk press or a wash-and-go naturalist.
Give Cécred a try, I’ll be using the line for my hair appointments until it runs out and if I see long-term results, it will be added to the beauty regimen indefinitely.
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Featured image courtesy of CÉCRED