Is Wakanda Forever???

Blank Panther was a huge success! It made about $400 Million worldwide during its opening weekend. Some celebrities and local organizations purchased tickets for children to enjoy the movie as well!! Many people went to the movies in their Native attire or Pan-African colors to represent their closeness to their roots. This fictional movie truly brought the community together. Overall, I really enjoyed it! It is officially down as one of my favorites. Moving along…

Scene #1 Nakia did not want to be Queen because she wanted to fulfill her purpose and calling.

Scripture: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22 NLT

Insight: Nakia was introduced early in the movie as T’Challa’s ex-girlfriend. T’Challa’s mother and sister teased him about “freezing” whenever he was around her. I thought it was beautiful how you could see the love and adoration he had for her throughout the entire movie. It reminded me of the scripture listed above because Nakia was truly trying to fulfill her purpose and be the best woman she can be. She was not concerned about the glamorous side of the relationship. After all, she would be a Queen in one of the great nations in Africa. Nevertheless, guess what…T’Challa could not seem to let her go. He knew that they would be together but he wanted her to fulfill her purpose as well. This proves the scripture true! When he finds it…he will not let go! Stop chasing after the person you “think” is the one. If you have to chase…it is not it sis. A man that is in love with you will find a way for you to be his and will respect your vision as well. No games and no excuses.

Scene #2 Erik Killmonger killed Klaue and presented the dead body to W’Kabi. Killmonger made this strategic move because he wanted his fellow long lost Wakandan brother to view him as an ally and not a threat. Through this unusual encounter, he proceeded to reveal his identity to W’Kabi. Ironically, before this scene, W’Kabi was fussing with T’Challa about his inability to catch Klaue just like his father. Killmonger’s story about his abandonment in America influenced W’Kabi. It was apparent that W’Kabi began to fill with rage and soon wanted to take over Wakanda together with Killmonger.

Scripture: “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT

Insight: We all know that one person that will give us the craziest advice when we are angry. For example, “YES GIRL, HE DID YOU WRONG, LET’S KEY HIS CAR!!!” W’Kabi was already feeling some type of way about T’Challa concerning the unsuccessful attempt to capture Klaue. W’Kabi was very emotional and vulnerable when Killmonger approached him about the death of his archenemy. Killmonger’s gift to W’Kabi was Klaue’s corpse but it seems like the underlying exchange was W’Kabi’s loyalty to fight with him. We need to keep in mind that sometimes our emotions may drive us to listen or talk to people who have an agenda that is not in our best interest. Killmonger presented the facts to W’kabi about his life and the death of Klaue. He technically did not exclude anything but his intentions were very wrong because he was seeking vengeance. Killmonger displayed an assertive attitude that centered on being a powerful tyrant. He was moving from a place of anger and W’Kabi soon followed. Be careful of the people you talk to when you are feeling down and sad about a situation. Good company will always present the truth and help you figure out ways to move forward and produce good fruit. Good company will not encourage bitterness and dissonance. The word of God tells us, “Think on things that are pure and true.” You may want to reevaluate your company if they are lacking that quality.

Scene #3 W’Kabi surrendered to Okoye during the fierce Wakandan battle.

Scripture: “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her...” Ephesians 5:25 NLT

Insight: The scene spoke volumes to me because it clearly depicted true love through submission. Now, submission is the least favorite word in the Christian dictionary but it’s so important for our walk. Whether it is submission to our friends, romantic relationship, or anyone you may meet. We have to remember that we are called to serve each other and bring peace to everyone we meet. The war was over as soon as W’Kabi surrendered to his love. Imagine how many issues would be resolved, with loved ones; if we took a knee to preserve peace?

Quote: “Bury me in the ocean with my ancestors that jumped from the ships because they knew death was better than bondage…”

Scripture: “So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:11

Insight: I would like to break this quote down so that you can truly understand my perspective. We knew that Killmonger was a Wakandan American. He was born and raised in America but had Wakandan blood running through his veins. As a Nigerian American, I identified with this moment because I have studied Black History in America . The tragedies are heart wrenching and I cannot express in words how I feel about years of injustice. However, the latter of the quote stood out to me the most. SO... my friends’ alwayssss say that I can get very deep and spiritual about EVERYTHING but I just think differently. So, just hear me out because I am not apologizing about being deep anymore (insert an idc emoji) When Killmonger ended the statement with “…Death was better than bondage…” All I could think about was the sanctification process. Death to your flesh and human nature is better than being in bondage to your sin. If one remains in bondage to their sin, the “struggle” will transform into a stronghold that will not lose it's grasp. You have to be willing to allow Christ to wash your sin’s away with His blood. Death to the flesh means a new life in Christ.

To answer the question, YES Wakanda is forever! This movie depicted my favorite things from the culture to romance and life's lessons. This post was MY overall perspective of the movie. Let me know what you thought about the movie in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.

Until next time,

XOXO...