Poetictonez

My entire life I’ve been told and treated like an outsider, a problem, an issue, a burden. I’ve been violated. I’ve been mistreated. I’ve been put down. I’ve been called names. I’ve been overlooked. I've been broken. I’ve been blamed. I’ve been hurt. I’ve been neglected. I’ve been misused. I’ve been accused. I’ve been taken advantage of. I’ve been abused. I’ve been told I’m a bad parent. I’ve been told I am stupid. I’ve been abandoned. I’ve been cheated on. I’ve done things I deeply regret. I’ve been so many negative things throughout my life. But, what I know is that, all those negative things do not define me. I am more than what others think of me. I am more than the circumstances that have affected me. I am more than a flawed, scarred, imperfect being. I am more than the tears that have soaked my pillow. I am more than what is visible on the surface. I AM more. I am MORE. I AM MORE.

You tried to break me, But my soul is too strong. Every time I’ve been knocked down I get right back up. Stronger. Each time I get put down. I lift myself back up. Stronger. When I’m talked about, criticized, ridiculed. I stand up taller. Because I’m much stronger. Now, more than ever. You can’t break me. I’ve been bound by an unbreakable yoke. No matter what you throw at me. Your aim isn’t good enough. Even if you do hit the target, I’ll survive like I always do. Stronger. Stronger now than I’ve ever been. Stronger because I had to be. Your fiery darts won’t harm me. Because I am covered! I am protected! Stronger than you’ll ever be!

I have to constantly remind myself that some people are NOT worth me getting out of character for. It doesn’t matter who they are, what they are doing or what they may have said… they are not worth a reaction from me. Yes, it is easier said than to do. It takes practice, self-discipline and mental reminders not to give in to the negativity and stupidity of others. If find myself always having to correct myself or repent because of my words, thoughts or actions regarding how others make me feel. Sometimes I am so angry! I feel hatred in my heart. But, I know that isn’t right behavior. I am sure I am not alone with this struggle. All I can say is, it takes patience and effort on a daily basis to overcome and enter into a place of peace where you no longer react in a destructive manner, even though it may seem justified at the time. We have to remember that EVERYONE will be held accountable for their words, thoughts and actions ALONE. Therefore, stay in prayer and govern thyself according

Recently I made the statement “black people are the only race that doesn’t unite.” I know a few people disagreed with me. For the ones who disagree, let me elaborate. I still stand by what I said. However, when I made that statement, what I was referring to was when things are NEGATIVE or BAD. The only time we are known to unite is when we feel we’ve been wronged or some sort of injustice has been imposed. Just as so many of us only pray to God when things are bad and forget about Him when things are good. For example, Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, we protested together (but also tore up our own communities). Why does something horrific have to happen for us to unite? How come we don’t unite when things are going well? You may say we do. But, how often? Do we publicize it? Do we talk about it? Do we share it? I reflected on some of the other cultures, such as Caucasians, Asians and Hispanics. Can we, as black people, honestly say we are as united as some of the other cultures and/o