“Strong” Women Need a Soft Place to Land
Two nights ago, as I was lying in bed unable to fall asleep, this writing hit my spirit and I took to drafting a new note in my phone.
It only seemed fitting to close this Women’s History Month with this message.
To all the women … but especially to these women:
To the woman who is rekindling her connection with God because during tragedy she turned away from Him, feeling as though God had forsaken her …
To the woman who is chasing the blissful happiness in her marriage that she once had at the beginning of her relationship …
To the woman who is being looked over at work and her efforts are being undermined and credited to others …
To the woman who wasn’t prepared to be a single parent but is thriving while mothering a toddler with special needs since birth …
To the woman who feels like motherhood is one of her life’s callings but is struggling to conceive and carry a new life …
To the woman desiring marriage but is losing faith in the dating pool while psyching herself into making peace with the possibility of never having the opportunity …
To the woman who is bringing her first child into the world while longing for and missing the embrace and guidance of the woman who brought her into the world …
To the woman so unsure of her worth that she lowers her standards on what she will or will not tolerate in her relationship …
To the woman who is grieving the sudden loss of her life partner just as life was starting to get even sweeter …
To the woman who is trying to figure out her place as a bonus mother in the midst of drama and chaos …
To the woman battling a chronic illness unbeknownst to everyone around her, yet she puts on her façade and presses on in spite of …
I see you, I see all of you and you’re beautiful. You’re dope. You’re magic. You’re inspirational. You’re resilient, because we are way past “strong.” We are often perceived as strong, particularly women of color, because we HAVE to be. Just like our non-Black and minority counterparts though, we want to be dainty and soft and valued and considered and loved properly too.
Hey girl, I know you get tired. I know you get scared. I know you get uneasy because it’s not easy being you and existing. But you are THAT girl. Don’t give up, keep going. You are necessary and you are worthy of the desires of your heart.
Updated: March 2024
