Written by Guest Blogger Trechelle Tranese
I am a firm believer that nothing in our lives happens by chance or mere coincidences. We all are placed on these divinely guided paths that transform us all into who we are truly meant to be on this journey I call life.
I had the opportunity to meet Jason at his book signing in Harvey, LA. As I approached him, I honestly thought I was going to be star struck. But it was the total opposite. A sense of peace and calm came over me. There I was, greeting someone whom I’ve only seen on tv, saying to myself, “Okay, girl put your professional hat on and introduce yourself with a firm handshake and an introduction.” The proper thing to do is always to speak, be hospitable, and essentially the first step in meeting new people. It’s a part of our culture and our upbringing here in New Orleans. And here I was nervous about what is within me, possibly because I viewed him as a celebrity and not the kind, engaging and transparent that he is. But I found the courage to extend my hand, and from there, the words flowed.
As the conversation progressed, it was like I was chatting with someone I’ve known my entire life. It was as if he turned into a motivational speaker.
And by the end, our discussion Jason Lee left our souls on fire. He made us realize that all we needed to be successful was to believe in SELF.
I started reading the book moments after settling in after leaving Barnes and Noble. Our discussion had me anxiously awaiting the unwrapping of my gift as if I was a little kid on Christmas morning., I realized I needed to read this book with a fresh set of eyes and a clear mind after reading a few pages. The book will pull you end, break your heart and leave you with tearstained pages. So, I highly recommend that you ready yourself to read ”God Must Have Forgotten Me”.
I started reading early the next morning and decided to from the very beginning, reread the pages I read the night before.
I remember looking at the tittle of the book, thinking, wondering why if the book would be filled with their seeping hot tea like on his heart Radio Show ”Hollywood Unlocked. I believe several of us wouldn’t have minded a celebrity gossip novel. But Jason Lee surprised us all not only by putting his trauma to paper, but overcoming all it all and assisting others.
In the first chapter, I found myself looking through the eyes of a seven-year-old little boy from Stockton, CA. He described himself as a “latchkey kid,” a term I was quite familiar with. I thought to myself, would I have been able to survive the streets as a seven-year-old little girl. He is taking on the role of being a caregiver to my younger sibling. What was it like? What was running through his mind? How did he know to take on such a role? He instinctively went into survival mode and took on the role of the man of the house, even though he was still a kid.
Jason battled his own demons throughout life with constant thoughts and fears. He grew to know that the keys to his survival on this journey; was to protect himself at all costs. He couldn’t escape the emotions of being abandoned at such an early age that he turned into this sense of rage; A rage that held true after the death of his brother. My heart immediately went into mommy mode. I just wanted to hug him and say you are not alone. I was now mentally walking in the shoes of who we now know as Jason Lee. Piercing through the raw depths of his soul, left me wanting more.
We live in a world that is cruel and unjust. Society has taught us you can’t be a gay black man with a troubled past. It is so profoundly engraved within us that we have to live our lives morally correct to avoid being stigmatized. Honestly, who are we to pass judgment on how another individual chooses to live their lives. After finishing the book (yes, I read it in one day lol) and meeting him in person, I was more motivated to go after my own dreams regardless of how difficult it may seem. Jason’s journey was apart of God’s plan. He wasn’t forgotten after all. God molded and shaped him into a man who could now use his own his life’s experiences to inspire so many others. We all are placed here to inspire others for the betterment of humanity. Remember, your past does not define who you truly are.
The more I read, the more I was drawn to his story. I was addicted, craving my next fix of the life of Jason Lee. Anticipatingly awaiting the following line in his memoir, my thirst was continually being quenched. Was this indeed his life because this is not the blogger I’ve seen weekly on television? As I turned each page, I was slowly peeling away the layers of this hardened shell that molded him into the man he is today.
I guess the old adage that “You can’t judge a book by its cover” is true.
“God Must Have Forgotten About Me” is a must-read. It will leave you motivated and inspired. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Thank me later!!
Trechelle Tranese….
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/god-must-have-forgotten-about-me-jason-lee
Jason Lee is an example of a genuine spirit that realizes that for him to grow as an individual and brand, one has to be able to be transparent and how your greatest achievement can be used to help someone else.
Make sure to grab a signed copy of Jason’s new book! Not only is it a great read, but it his faith in God and amazing testimony will allow you to find healing with any life issue you are dealing with. Jason’s story will inspire and is proof that God doesn’t forget you. He’s ever-present, and if you hold on, you will see better days. NOLA Chic
About Trechelle Tranese
Trechelle Tranese is a Fashion Blogger and Personal Stylist. She was moved to write this review because of Jason Lee’s willingness to share his personal story and professional tips, invoked hope and inspiration. Jason Lee switched up the program and hosted a mini motivational conference in the back of Barnes and Noble bookstore in Harvey, Louisiana.
To read more of Trechelle Tranese’s work or book a style consultation click link. trechelletranese.wordpress.com
Dat NOLA Chic 