When the pain comes crashing down
with an unbearable force, and my mind
cannot withstand the pressure, I run
to God for inner strength, another chapter
added to my lengthy testimony.

Patience is an accurate test of endurance,
quenched by anger and frustration,
ruined by quicksand thinking;
one second of ill-thought can undo
many years of progress.

I’m seeking after the Lord
with every fiber within me. I don’t want
to get left behind in the dust;
my mission is to serve Him;
that’s why I’m here.

Advocate for your health,
listen to your body and know when it’s
not at its best. The worst thing someone
can call you is crazy.

Lay all your burdens at God’s feet
and walk away from the scene.
He’s the only one able to carry them for you,
unharmed; no questions asked;
free-of-charge; unlimited unloading.

Seek influence from a positive source,
don’t run into the first set of
open arms that smiles your way.

Stay alert! You’ll know when something is
detrimental to your mental health;
you’ll recognize when you need to walk away.

Even if you’re naïve, there’ll still be signs,
don’t get caught up in careless activities
just to keep your mind off the dysfunction
going on at home.

An unpleasant crowd doesn’t care if you
live or die in the streets, you’ll just be
another victim; another statistic;
another number checked off someone’s
forgotten list; it’s not worth throwing
your life away for a season.

I am fortunate to be alive and well
and my main desire is to serve
the Lord in spirit and in truth; I refuse
to die in my sins and take the lowest offer.
I accept this beautiful gift of life.

I am a fighter, and I refuse to lose,
giving up is never an option on my plate,
even on my worst day of procrastinating.

Advancement is my only option,
I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself;
God is my daily strength.

It’s better to ask God for what you need
than to become a thief in the night. You’ll need
a little faith to accompany your humble request,
the Bible says, faith as small as a mustard seed.

How can a mother just lay on her back all-day
and watch her children struggle?
Why isn’t she motivated to help herself?
To help them advance?
I’m all too familiar with questions
and sorry excuses for a parent.
There are no excuses not to try.
Age ain’t nothing but a number.

Every parent I’ve known, who’ve gotten
the opportunity to come to America,
came here and worked to make a better way
for themselves and other members of their family.
Not so for the mother who didn’t raise me,
it’s the total opposite reaction. I don’t know
if she feels owed or what, knowing she’s not
up in age and can work to take care of herself,
I don’t see why she’s not motivated. Instead,
she retires on her back all-day and craves
the good life she’s always dreamed of achieving.

I know where I’ve been, and I know what God
has brought me through; I know what I need to do
and if I can help it, I’d never want to be homeless
or without a home ever again. I’ll work my fingers
to the bone to ensure my children are always
well-taken care of, it’s my job
to provide them with stability.