#learntoloveyourself

Dear Gina,

What a change from Union City right? This place looks so weird. Going from the city to the “country” huh? I’m sorry you had to leave your friends. You’re going to miss them dearly, I know. But guess what? You are going to be just fine little one. You don't have to deal with your sister using you for sensual expiraments. Thats what it was. She was at the age when you get curious. She didn't realize the damage she was causing and neither do you. You're too young to understand, thank God. But forgive her when you can.

You’ve got this new big house, huge backyard, and a new town to explore in with new friends! It’s your first day in summer school. The girl with the blond hair is nice to you. She is your age and in the same class! You met a new friend just in a matter of a few days! Look how friendly you are sweet girl. She seems to be the popular one in your class so maybe if you act a little like her you’ll be popular to and not the new kid in school.

First day of school and you think, "wow ...no one in my class looks like me...." Eh, that's okay! The class is mostly white and you're a beautiful black princess. Besides, mom says you love everyone no matter what, right? Picture day! Your hair is all nice with those beautiful braids. A girl in class is nice enough to let you wear a butterfly barrette in your hair just like she's doing! Wasn't that so sweet and nice of her to share?

Hmm..those two boys aren't very nice to you are they? They said your hair looks like Predator from those action movies mom won't let you watch. It really hurt and made you feel badly about yourself, didn't it sweetheart? It hurts because they gave a name to the differences in our physical appearance. Giving it a name made it more real to you that people actually view you differently from them.

Guess what my little chick-a-dee? You don't have to give them that power! No one can make you feel less of a person except you. You get to choose to be proud of everything you are, inside AND out! You are one special little girl who is going to do amazing things when you grow up. To make this world a better place. HOW COOL IS THAT!? Yes, they teased your hair but your hair DOES NOT DEFINE YOU, little one. Long, short, curly, straight, on your head, or even completely off...whatever your hair is doing that day doesn't control what's in your heart or how you feel about the world. That's all inside of you and can never be cut out or go away. I set the positive and healing intention that these words will now and forever be in your memeory. Your are perfect just the way God made you! YOU ARE SO LOVED!

Lost and confused,

I was ready to end it,

Feeling shattered and abused,

My dreams were torn,

Confidence gone,

Mind like a cracked mirror,

A million pieces and one,

But then with every storm,

There's an eye in the midst,

The calm and the quiet,

Like a hole in a fist,

Like the sun in the morning,

Rising up into the sky,

Like heat after rain,

The tears, they dry,

After the darkness,

I am reborn,

I found serenity,

And it feels so warm,

Free from the shackles,

The pain of the past,

Rose from the ashes,

To a place where i'll last,

I miss it all I'll admit,

I'm not afraid to say,

But now I've found closure,

My true self is out to play,

You may have broken me,

But my will is strong,

I'm not a lost cause,