Black women are the only people that have really ever loved me enough to challenge me on my bullshit. The Only ones honest enough to show me a better way. I used to get so defensive. It was cause I was unaccustomed to anyone tellin me truth even when it was ugly.

It hurt my ego... It fractured the facade I had created for myself unintentionally through all of the "I'm Oks" when I really wasn't & all the praises from people that were content with "Good Enough." Black Women Challenged me to be great because they saw more & demanded more,

I had to let that fragility die and drop my shield and armor of illusions so that I could get to the place they were challenging me to be. When I stopped being defensive - I could clearly see that these challenges were thoughtful, loving, and constructive.

They sought to build me up. They were not obstacles. They were not dangers. They were not Destructive. They simply wanted to pour into me. I am grateful for Black Women. I Love Black Women. I want to pour into the lives of Black Women. I want to Reciprocate this energy.

Not out of obligation for a debt owed (and I do owe it), but, out of sincere gratitude, appreciation, and the desire to build up my sisters to flourish, thrive, and reach greatness with any help, hope, support, or resources available to me. We rise together.