Nomalanga: What We Can Learn From the Sad Case of Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Barrino has had the headlines buzzing in the last few months. First it was reported that she was dumped by Antwaun Cook, her second “baby daddy”, then it was reported that she had an emotional break down while performing at a concert in Trinidad.
A lot can be learned from Fantasia’s negative circumstances which range from dropping out of school, having a baby as a teenager, dating a married man, trying to commit suicide because of the backlash from the relationship and then finally having a baby with him. In addition to all the drama from her romantic life, Fantasia was also previously reported to have been in a financial crisis and also had medical problems which threatened to take away her singing voice.
Although it would take both hands and probably both feet to count all of Fantasia’s errors in judgement, it would be a low blow to just focus on only what she did wrong. Fantasia’s story is actually a story of victory. She teaches us that in spite of making mistakes, it is always possible to pick yourself back up and keep moving.
Fantasia burst into the scenes as a desperate welfare mother hoping for a spot on American Idol and not only did she get the spot but she went on to win the competition in 2004. What we can learn from that is that when you have a gift and talent for something and attach it to a dream, great things can happen in your life.
Just when several headlines reported that Fantasia was having a financial crisis, things got worse for her as the media reported that she was in a scandalous relationship with another woman’s husband. Sadly, this drove Fantasia to try to commit suicide. The victory in this part of the story is that almost as soon as she came out of the hospital, after recovering from her suicide attempt, she got right back to work. The lesson that we can draw from this is that no matter how bleak your circumstances look, you can always pick yourself back up and keep going and doing what you know to do to get your life back on track.
In her latest break down, although it had her fans stunned, I am extremely aware of the fact that she may have been crying and looking “a hot mess”, but she was actually sharing a story of faith, perseverance and even yet another victory.
Although it seems that Fantasia’s life is one train wreck after another, I think that what we all see as a sad story is actually more of an inspiring story.
What we can all learn from her life is that you are not your mistakes. The key is to hold on to your faith and no matter how many times you trip and fall, get back up and sing your heart out. In the end, we are all only human and so is Fantasia.
Nomalanga helps Black Women thrive in their lives and careers. She is a Social Commentator, an Editor at Your Black World , Assistant Professor of Professional Studies and the reigning Mrs Botswana. Visit Nomalanga’s blog at successfulblackwoman.com
98 Responses to Nomalanga: What We Can Learn From the Sad Case of Fantasia Barrino
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This is one of the most inspiring articles I have ever read. So encouraging, and uplifting. I wish we ALL thought like this author. This is one article I will place in my bookmark, to remind myself that it’s not over because we make many mistakes in life. This article gets 5 *****.
Why this writer selected Fantasia out for this nice/nasty story is beyond me. Fantasia’s story is the same as a huge percent of black women today. I would say black women today that have a good life might just be 20% while the masses of us go from one sad event to the next, all the while looking beautiful while we go through.
Analysis of the federal budget from a little more than a decade ago reveals that the Bush Tax Cuts of 2001 are the reason for the deficit we are dealing with today. The decline in government revenues was felt to be sustainable with economists predicting sunny economic skies over the next 10 years. What they didn’t expect was the republican party would create a severe financial crisis and two expensive wars. That has made all the difference in the world for president Obama and this generation.
Racist caucasians have created a stock pile of dangerous weapons with the intent of killing you know who! The only response from AA’s to this serious threat is buying more gold teeth, tattoos, hair extensions, expensive tennis shoes and handbags, alcohol, tobacco products, crack, popping bottles-making it rain and other insignificant BS. Caucasians created a fake god- a white man with long hair to whom Black ppl pray to each day and night. The book associated with this fake god- the Bible instructs Black ppl to “Love thy Enemy” and “Slaves obey your Masters”. Black people, your enemy is planning to wage an all-out war against you and your only response is to- Love and Pray for Them. Black ppl, please realize you must overcome your fear of caucasians which is responsible for your paralysis to this eminent violence. The time has come for black ppl to stop being slave minded drones to this wicked nation and it’s fake religion.
Well said Linda. I totally agree. Never ever give up Fantasia
We fall down but we get up. Keep on keepn’ on Fantasia. Keep looking up. God Bless!!
WHAT A STORY…FIRST I WANT TO THANK THE WRITER FOR A GREAT UPLIFTING STORY. THIS IS WHAT JOURNALISM IS SUPPOSE TO BE ABOUT!
FANTANSIA’S LIFE IS THE MIRROR OF ALOT OF US, AND I APPLAUD HER FOR HER STREGTH AND DETERMINATION. IT IS THE HARDEST THING TO BE UNDER THE RADAR 24/7 . HER STRENGTH, STRENGTHENS ME….KEEP THE FAITH FANTASIA.
no matter what or who comes or goes god is always there. He will never leave you no fotsake you. We must continue to stand trust and lean on him.
Her message was on point… Yes, she has made some mistakes, but who hasn’t. I pray that she gets back in the studio and continues to do what she does best…SING!!!!!
May he who is without sin cast the first stone!
OMG….she has a beautiful voice….. and have a chance to make he life better……she continue to make bad choices …..
We all make mistakes, but to continue to do so is being a fool…..she has a chance to make it out of the Ghetto…but her mindset is still there!
Most struggling entertainer would die to have the opportunities that is presented to her….
She better wise up and stop all the DRAMA
Fantasia IS a hot mess. Lets not try to sugarcoat the truth too much..
I pray that she will get it together because God has blessed her, but I agree with one of the comments, lets not sugar coat this situation, she knew better than to deal with a married man, she’s a Christian she knows better than to even attempt suicide, a slap in the face to the most high who has blessed her with her gift. I don’t cast stones because I’m not perfect but when you stray from God and try to do it your way, WHEN YOU KNOW YOU’RE WRONG…..he will slap you down in order to make you look up to him. Let’s pray she will take time out for herself and God and despite what any of us out here in cyber world thinks that’s what she needs above anything.
I pray Fantasia returns to her first love: Jesus Christ. He can restore her life from all the mistakes she has made. Her voice was made for His glory and to sing His PRAISES only!!!!
What a talented young woman. I am sorry she has had such a rough time. She needs good people around her as she is not making good decisions for herself. I wish her well in life…sad, yet hopeful!
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!
Beautiful work as a journalist telling/sharing this inspiring story of triumph: call the devil a liar, and move on. Keep on, keeping on, Fantasia. God bless you.
She’s only a “human” to those whose marriage she didn’t interfere with. I bet Mrs. Cook can tell the story different. Think about it.
Fantasia has never been a bright person but even the dumbest folks don’t keep tripping over themselves. She needs to catch up with a new group cause the present one is offering poor advice.
Thank you for the uplifting view point.
Gucci Mane said that she SPLASHES during intercourse. {{-_-}}
Love you Tasia, and yes keep keeping your head up. God’s got your back, and never depend on man or woman. But never ever let what they say get you down. All those Wanna Be’s!!!!!!
Thank you God!!!!! I pray that Barrino jump back to her feet and sing her heart out. This is the making of a good song. Maybe a gooe gospel song. Come on Tashia, we need you. Come Tashia… let the music bring back hope…come on Tashia I know you can do it. Remember you have two other people depending on you and without you, they will not survive…Come on Tashia……
Hang N dare..life does get better. U have your children. 1 of each s*x. Be the best Mother U can Be, Enjoy the rest of your life. Do what make U happy. Look toward2 the future…Grow n2 the Woman U wanna B. Enjoy ur children as they grow…life moves On…B U ..may the Lord guide and Bless all u do.
Donnie stated in his song we fall down, but we get up! scripture states though a man fall he shall not utterly cast down, thank you GOD. as I listen to this young woman sing or see her performance, i see that the hand of GOD is upon her, she has such a powerful,anointed voice to be use for the kingdom.and I pray that GOD will draw her back to the fold.and she will have a beautiful testimony to reach those that are lost! love this girl..much love fantasia
Or…..people can explain to her that her behavior is not that of a mature, successful woman and work toward correcting it. Victimizing someone that continuously makes the same mistakes is not uplifting—-it’s enabling.
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Fantasia needs to get around some smart, older women who can provide her with some sister love, guidance and support. Soebody such as Oprah should reach out because obviously she needs some help and support. I note that Oprah wrapped her arms around J Hud during her darkest days. Well some older sister needs to reach out to Fantasia who has shown her self to be a poor desicion maker. but boy can that girl sing……………
Listen, if you think God ain’t got this young lady then you don’t know to whom you serve,she is not only being held up for her prays, she’s being held up in prays from her mama, her mama’s mama and her mama’s mama’s mama. the faith in this family is out standing it reaks all over the place in a good way!!! Stop, This beautiful young ladies life should never come up for question by any of us.WHO ARE WE judging her life?? The diffrence between her and half of us is SHE’S ON TV. Because I bet you dollors to dounuts half of our stories beat the h**l out of her’s I bet ya. I love her I love her heart, I love voice I thank God for her talent.
Fant, Baby Girl God Bless You & The Fam Always.
I think she will be okay. I just wish people would focus on the positive and not the negative. She did have a child with a married man but she also could have gotten an abortion and ended it that way. So, she believes in life and that says something good about her. She also picked herself up and is still going and that in itself takes some guts.
After watching her show, it seems that she had a lot on her plate. Maybe that man was a distraction(maybe a bad choice) but she needs prayers and those mooching family off her
back
WHAT A WONDERFUL UPLIFTING STORY OF SURVIVING——-LOVE IT!!!!!! LOVE YA FANTASIA!!!——KEEP COMING OUT ON THE POSITIVE SIDE.
Normalanga is a loving soul who can see the positve in almost anything. However as much as we love/hate Fantasia she is us. And as older guardians in the “Black Communities” we must realize a teaching moment when we see one…and teach our girls to beware! Beware of the flashy life, the dependency life, the selfish/self-destructive life which takes more than it gives and leaves us without our Whitneys, Michaels, Jimi, Sly,Phyliss Hymans and others.
Simply thank you!!
…..This a very good article.I hope and pray she looks at this and see all the people that love and is behind her that should be motivation.She is so talented and most of all to motivate her more than anything should be her children,she needs to let the guy go for awhile and get her head straight.God will fix it,just put it in his hands!!!!!
I just love Fantasia she is a very nice person and she will be all right people always got something to say well it good are bad,Love you Fantasia Alphonso Dowell from Lithonia Georgia.
Thank you for this article….Yes Fantasia has had alot of hardship and made alot of mistakes but God will turn her life around and after this is over she will have a testimony that will touch and bless some young girl going down the wrong path… GOD BLESS YOU FANT, YOU ARE AN ANOINTED WOMAN OF GOD!!!
Fantasia is no different from anyone else who say they Re a Christian and sin. There are consequences to sinning aka disobeying Gods will when you are chosen by Him.
Joseph who walked with God and was put in negative situations was still elevated where ever he was from being sold into slavery after his brothers casted him out, to being placed in prison after a whorish women ( the kings wife lied saying he tried to take advantage if her), Joseph was still elevated in those situations he was put in because of the evil of others.
David on the other hand suffered the consequences of his sins. He took another’s mans wife, tried to cover up her pregnancy and when the cover up did not work, he had the man killed and then married Bathsheba to cover up the sin. As a result of this sin, the prophet Nathan told him what was going to be the fate of the baby. The baby died according to the word of Nathan the prophet of God. David was still an anointed man of God, however David was convicted of his sin and willingly accepted the consequences of them as his reaction and actions show after the boy died, his statement of the sword never leaving his house and the beautiful poetic Psalms written by him.
Fantasias story is not unique, it just has more of a public view. Although we rejoice with the heavenly being at ourselves and other sinners being saved by Jesus , repenting and learning more of him as we walk in obedience to His will, we must not lose focus and the ammunition we freely give Satan to continue to wage war on our future generations when we sin.
We need not condemn fellow brothers and sisters who are of the faith when they falls ; on the contrary, neither should we uplift them in their wrong or sin by condoning destructive non Christian behavior by those who say they are. Christian.
Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world, by their fruits you will know them!
Mark 12:30-31
This is one of the most basic scriptures- love God first and then neighbor as self
This is another basic one to keep self in check
Galatians 5:22-23
The fruits of the sprit
1. Love- when some one else does not sew love, do I show it as Christ would?
2. Joy- when someone else does not sew joy, do I have it like Christ?
3. Peace- when someone does not sew or give peace- do I show or give it like Christ?
4. Patience- when someone else does not sew patience, do I show patience like Christ?
5. Kindness-When someone else does not sew kindness, do I show kindness as Christ would?
6. Goodness-When someone’s does not sew goodness, doe I show goodness as Christ would?
7.Faithfulness- When someone else does not sew faithfulness, do I show faithfulness like Christ would?
8. Gentleness-When someone else does not sew gentleness, do I show gentleness like Christ would?
9. Self control-When someone else does not sew self control, do I show self control like Christ would?
Galatians 5:24-26
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires.
25If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature.
26We can’t allow ourselves to act arrogantly and to provoke or envy each other.