Writes of Courage

Wrap Up: Parting Piece

At the end of it all, for me, it all comes down to whether I was able to communicate my views as a young black woman existing in this world. It is everchanging and overwhelming at the most. Needless to say, the beauty of it is that I have learnt to want to be myself, be true to that incredible girl and want only the finest for her. To walk out on the other end of this journey strong, fearless and ready and willing to stand up for myself and all that I advocate for is a blessing I will never overlook. Being able to embrace the deepest parts of me and accepting all my shortcomings. Forgiving myself for only being human and being out of touch with myself and acting impulsively at times. Appreciating myself; how strong I have become and being able to show up for me regardless of the odds stacked against me. I can only look back on this journey with nothing but gratitude for God's grace, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. I am young, strong, intelligent, beautiful and nothing short of brilliant; and I hope you know that you are too and never doubt it. Let your life be a celebration of the good moments, and a reflection upon the not-so-good ones. It is in our lowest moments that we are forced to decelerate, reflect and learn, but also get to appreciate the good moments.

What I would love to see this world become is a field of love and kindness. A very wild dream, I know. But as a young woman I would love to walk freely without the fear of being raped, assaulted, manhandled or even all of them at once. I would love to feel safe and protected and live without fearing that it might be my last. I would love to live in a world where it is okay to be yourself and you are not going to be judged for it. A world where we are kind and patient with one another, because we are not aware of each other's internal battles and wounds. I wish we could cease the cruelty - of any kind. Be happy to be alive and be happy for other people's joy and accomplishments. We all have a long way to go as individuals and as a global community. We might never get to that place of round peace and harmony, but let's rather die trying.

Keynotes of this book; you are incredible and perfect just as you are; you are strong even when you aren't; you are deserving of everything that deserves you; you are love and you deserve love; you matter; your existence is valid and important; whatever you set your mind to and believe is yours, is already yours. Believe in yourself, the beauty of your dreams and the power in your willingness. Wherever you are headed, you are already halfway there. Keep going. Set yourself free and fly. We are responsible as a people for how young people turn out because they are looking at us. The importance of planting seeds of hope, humanity, kindness, boldness, respect and love cannot be emphasized enough. Remember that life is about perspective, and perspective is subjective. Your feelings, concepts and dreams are valid. You are valid.

Well done, and thank you for making it all the way to the end. I hope that there was something for you to take away, or something in you changed throughout the course of reading this book. These have been my WRITES OF COURAGE. May our gracious, loving and faithful God continue to shine His light over all of us, now and forever. Stay blessed.

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"Trust in God with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall make straight your paths" - Proverbs 3: 5-6.

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