Phenomenal Women

My last blog post was a plea to Black men to stand their ground, to kneel before God’s throne and to assume their rightful place in our homes, our hearts, our churches and our communities.

Society portrays us as angry, promiscuous, domineering, and a “superwoman” stronger than her man and less feminine than other women. We shouldered the burdens of so many, leaving us weighted down, tired, feeling used and abused.

Black daughters, sisters, mothers and wives, I love and support you too. As I think about what message I’d like to share with my daughter, I’m reminded of a poem that reminds us how incredible we are.

This poem, Phenomenal Woman, is for you, serving to encourage you and to remind you of your worth.

Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

God created each of us in His image (Genesis 1:27). We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). We are of noble character, worth far more than rubies (Proverbs 31:10). He are industrious, intelligent, nurturers and servers (Proverbs 31:11-24). We are clothed with strength and dignity and can laugh at the days to come. We are wise, diligent, our children call us blessed and our husbands praise us (Proverbs 31:25-29). We are women who fear the Lord and for that honor and praise is our due (Proverbs 31:30-31).

We are indeed phenomenal women.

From My Heart to Yours,

Davenia

Photo collage by www.mayaangelou.com