A Voice

As a Black woman, I’d like to go on record and say “We all are not mad, angry, difficult, mean or any other negative adjective you ascribe to our whole being in your one moment of interaction with us. When you make us mad, we express it. When you make us angry, we express it. When we won’t allow you to walk all over us because we have a mind and can think for ourselves and we appear to be being difficult, we express it. When we stand our ground and won’t give in to your antics and you label us mean, that’s not who we are; that’s your perception of who you think we are.

The older I get, the more I see Me in women of color no matter the obstacles they face. I look into their eyes and I see the struggle to get and keep it together. I hear their voice and understand the strength it takes to use their words so as not to be labeled yet again. I even think about them when I’m navigating my own way around this unrelenting world as I learn and understand just what it takes to make good sound decisions.

For those Black women who are struggling with your daughters, I hear your voice crying out for better for her when she can’t see she’s falling for the same traps you did. For those Black women who are concerned about their sons, I hear your voice because you’re trying all you can to raise a man when this world is making him into everything but a man. To those Black women who have lost the essence of who you really are, I hear your voice because I too once let go of Me.

I have since found my voice and my creativity and I’m praying the same happens for you. Don’t allow others to box you in to a stereotype or limit your potential any longer. Break the strongholds that are holding you down by allowing God to lead your surrendered steps in the path of His righteousness. Once you do, you’ll discover the best version of yourself and be in awe of all that you are truly capable of achieving. I leave these words with you; I am happy, I am joyful, I am compassionate and I am loving. I AM a Black Woman.

All I ask of you is that if you are inspired, motivated and/or encouraged by what you read here, please join my email list, leave a comment and share with others My Journey, My Story.