I never knew strength until it's all I had left
Stripped of everyone and everything; a victim of theft

I never knew strength until I was visited by death
Pleaded with God until His hand helped me catch my breath

I never knew strength until I faced myself
Staring in the mirror, buried by emotions I felt

I never knew strength until I chose to move on
Acknowledging my future is brighter now that you're gone

I never knew strength until I loved thyself
Standing firm in my convictions while accepting help

I've witnessed my strength; I no longer doubt
But in time I'll learn, I'm capable of much more inside and out

© JL Smith

If I called
Would you come running?

If I had one too many
Would you stop my world from spinning?

If I revealed my mess
Would you claim it as your own?

If I had lost my way
Would you save me from wandering alone?

If I needed to escape
Would you drive me for miles?

If my pain wouldn't cease
Would you incite a smile?

If I wanted to give up
Would you encourage me to endure?

If I felt uneasy and afraid
Would you protect and secure?

If I told you it's hard for me to trust
Would you risk a chance?

If I told you I'm a little hopelessly romantic
Would you tell me you fell in love at first glance?

© JL Smith

This is for those of you who
Sit with me in silence

Or for those of you who
See within me the courage of a lion

This is for those loved ones who
Feel pride observing my journey

And for those of you who
Extend a hand when my waters turn murky

This is for your loyalty
After everyone walks away

Or for your persistence
When I push, but you choose to stay

This is for those of you who
Lift my spirit and inspire laughter

And for those who
Answer my questions before I can ask them

I'm grateful for these moments
And your acceptance that I'm human

Yet, somehow you still believe I'm super
Maybe these boots and cape aren't an illusion

© JL Smith

I may not make much money,
But I make myself proud

My IQ isn't ranked genius,
But I can captivate a crowd

Neck and wrists don't shine with diamonds
Yet, my beauty radiates all the same

My tongue often twists and stutters,
But my script puts the best to shame

I seek solitude for peace,
But my loyalty is fierce

I may not know my destination,
But my faith is letting Him steer

© JL Smith

My darling,
First, let me apologize
For taking 31 years
To accept you needed me

I look back
And I see all you have experienced
I look back
And I see how you wished you were free

An identity lost
Your route shifted their way
Drowning in doubt
A tomboy, stowed away in a tree

Never shown respect
Still caring candidly
Voice hushed by sovereignty
Yet, maintaining a heart of glee

Outstretching my hand
I'm yours to trust
No one had eyes for you
But I see you--I'm here
And it's safe to grow up

© JL Smith

You and I have similar hearts
Different stories forming its parts,
But what I feel you've felt before
An outside smile while inside waging war

You gathered it quickly
How I'll invite you in with me
Your patience and listening
Unconditional love, persisting

You don't sugarcoat the truth
Yet, you protect and soothe
Walking beside me, I don't need to be carried
Allowing independence and growth, not burying

You see something of yourself within me
Maybe secretly praying I don't flee,
But let me share with you what I'm thinking
I'm beginning to trust you as you save me from sinking

© JL Smith

Today, God sent me an angel
It appeared at my doorstep
Ringing my doorbell
Trading wings for footsteps

The one I had prayed for
A guardian I've needed for years
Finally, you found me
In your arms, abolishing my fears

Others overlooked
A few did try
Giving up in the process
I continued questioning why

It took three decades
Until you walked into my life
I've survived through it all
Partaking in joy, contending my strife

His planning is perfect
We both have learned
All I have given is love
And now it's been returned

© JL Smith