CRISIE HUTCHINGS

I never learned to honor the woman that is me

Rarely, if ever, did I see what it looked like

Permission to breathe or even exist I thought was necessary

And so I begged

Pleaded for the space to belong

To be approved

To be validated

To be

And so I partnered with the lie

Held hands with those who dismissed me

Shunned the gift that was me

My love

My laughter

My touch that could bring life and joy

And why would you throw away life?

And I joined in

Hiding myself

Despising myself

Hating myself

Giving away my divine power

To stand in the image that was my Father

To love what He loved about me

To celebrate what He smiled upon

Instead

I partnered with the devil

Believed his lies

Believed his image of me

Almost to the death of me

But, here I stand up

Lift my voice for all women

Who are still struggling to find theirs

And declare

You are valuable

You are incredible

You are worthy

Of love

Of applause

Of joy and celebration!

I honor you!

I celebrate you!

You are loved!

Don’t fear for your sisterhood arises around you

Come out from the shadows and show up

We stand behind you, with you and for you

We need your beauty

Your strength

Your resolve and resilience

We need your laughter and wisdom

We need your nurture, your ingenuity

The world needs you!

You are a gift from heaven the Father has sent down to earth

Come out and fulfill all you are meant to be

To hell with the devil and his lies

Step into the truth of who you are

Never surrender or betray her!