Pain is better than numbness,
because at least I can feel
my life not just move through it.

Remain humble and kind
always let your light shine.
Like a beacon of hope
to those wary, lost souls
on the hunt for a lamp
to light their barren path.
setting each step aglow
out of desolation.

Think about your self less
and your community more
plant the seeds of success
that open prosperity's door.

In my head again
fighting a battle
I know I can't win.

Shut down or stand up,
never good enough.
Insecurities.

Conceding no more,
hesitation gone,
I've settled the score.

Look in the mirror,
dismiss my disguise.
Fierce and Strong I rise.

Void of light,
lost in my darkness,
lost my fight,
my will to live this life

Buried in negative thoughts
My doubt defeating me
Prayed to God,
"Please help me."

Day by day
I grew stronger
Asked God why?
Committed to suffering no longer

Discovered the why
As the years flew past
with faith in God and his purpose
My darkness doesn't last.

Eye's haunted
not wanting to see
what the heart knows
a tragic reality.

Sweet innocent child,
Why did it have to be?
my baby boy River
and not me.

Inspired,
guts required
sweat,blood and tears
racing heart masking fear.
Relentless desire to be the best me,
leave a legacy of resiliency.

A pure and genuine heart
in a masked world.
An honest rhythm
beating true.
Sending the blood of life
pulsing through my veins
Allowing my spirit and
body to rejuvenate and renew.

We never truly get over
the great loss of life.
Like water smoothes and
shapes a rock over time,
loss carves and shapes
the soul into a much kinder
more loving person.

Your power is limitless.
It threatens the insecure
exposing what they are not.
They come at you with hatred.

That hostility is theirs
to hold and carry not yours.
To hell with all the haters.
Rise and regain your power.

Scars on the inside
are prominent to
the one that wears them,
but invisible
to humanity.

Someone did you wrong,
like the lyrics to a country song.
Someone hardened your heart,
broken inside and torn apart.

Someone betrayed your trust,
what you thought was love to him was lust.
Someone stole your pureness,
leaving you feeling alone and powerless.

To get your power back,
allow your heart to get back on track.
Don't wait for the apology he won't give,
liberate yourself by learning to forgive.

The water will rise,
let it.
The fire will burn,
fuel it.
The darkness will come,
light it.
My strength won't quit
so I fight on.

All at once she felt too much
her heart shut down
to human touch.
She felt she might drown.

Wrestling with her emotions
pushing them down.
Down deep trying to hide
She became numb inside.

Despite her loss,
life went on,
numbness remained
but she grew strong

Successful and admired
her strength inspired
other women to rise
and capture their prize

I pray God will it,
that she live life and really feel it.
Feel the sadness, the hurt the pain
and make her realize there is much to gain.

By feeling and acknowledging it all
her big heart beats strong
and all her numbness falls.
Now she is really livin’ it all.

Reaching, rising,
touching, striving,
grasping success,
don't accept less.

My favorite gift
is tied tightly around my wrist.
A simple word etched that reminds me
of how my daughter perceives me to be.
This word will forever be my battle-cry.
My 'strength' I can't deny.

To teach me about loss,
no matter the cost.

To see if my heart beats,
through sadness and defeat.

To make me appreciate more,
not live to settle a score.

To make my faith stronger,
and question God's why no longer.

What's the point of it all
learning to rise
yet then again fall.
Falling into the abyss
the clutches of hell.
Until I've had enough
of this cold, dark well.
Sick of the gloom, doom in this tomb
I cast off my doubt.
I feel my fiery soul
burning its way out.
Made my choice to burn bright
igniting the light with in.
Knowing that when I fall
darkness will beckon me again.
It is my decision to embrace defeat,
to quit or stay down,
or rise to my feet
regaining my crown.

A friend is someone
who brings you their light
when you are drowning
in your own darkness

A friend is someone
who shares in your joys
and is excited
for your achievements.

A friend is someone
who accepts and loves
you for who you are
and who you'll become.

Drew a line in the sand
unsure on which side to stand.

To cross it means venturing into the unknown,
a journey I must travel alone.

Remaining on the side I know.
How could I ever grow?

Never leaving my comfort behind
or reach the potential God had in mind.

So cross it I will, to be the best me
and step into my destiny.

You don't truly know yourself
until you've been through hell
and had the strength and courage
to rise with the swell.

Dig your heels in,
stop the slide,
claw your way up
and don't drown in the tide

Don't let your mind drift
allowing pessimistic thoughts and emotions
to cloud your head
flooding your brain like an ocean.

Stomp out that negative voice
you've been dying to hide.
Fight to reclaim who you are
and enjoy the ride.

Fight back to the world of the living,
back to the sun,
rebirth of the strong woman
God destined you to become.

Before pointing fingers
peer deep inside,
behind your insecurities
is where the truth resides.

The agonizing honesty
that it's easier to blame
than dig deep in your soul.
Find your courage and cast your shame.

Embrace who you are
God's shining star.
He has a plan for you.
Honor yourself and be true
to the passions you possess.
Rise and claim your best version of success.

Dark side
can't hide.
Let it out.
Leave no doubt
of who you are
a rising star.