Strength. We ask for strength for many things.

Some days I ask for strength to continue on.

Some days I ask for strength to keep my mouth shut and not tell anyone exactly how I feel, in my sassiest manner. This takes a lot :)

I wish for strength to take care of my husband.

The other day, there was an event that was uncomfortable, unsettling and upsetting to others. I used to be the one to speak up and address such issues. I didn’t have the strength to do it.

I didn’t have the strength to say anything. I didn’t take any action. I wanted to go off. People came to me and complained, but sadly, they didn’t have the strength to take action either. I didn’t have the strength to stand alone, I didn’t have the strength to speak to anyone about the incident. I didn’t want to be the one to complain or stand out.

This is so unlike me.

I once hugged Rosa Parks. I prayed for her strength to move forward.

She sent it to me. She gave me the words. She gave me the courage.

Some days I run out of strength. Some days my fear paralyzes me. On those days, I pray to my ancestors. And they give me STRENGTH.