Queen Mary J Blige penned these words in her song of the same title.  Once again her words resonated with my life experiences.  Was talking to Diane tonight about the untold strength us black women have been blessed with and the untold strength and high expectations society has for us. 

I’ve spent the last 20 years of my adult life being STRONG, ya know, coping, hurtin, bleedin, feeling, loosing, lovin, birthin, cryin, fightin, winning.  AND I AM TIRED.  I’ve spent my life being strong – when I am sad or unhappy I am strong when challenged or broke or alone … I am strong.  I have realised I have BEEN TOO STRONG FOR TOO LONG.  I need to rest this weary woman, this child. 

Just over a year ago I was homeless, desperate and broke I made the decision to NEVER be in that position again.  I busted my gut to make sure it never happens again.  I became homeless because I was strong all the time and just kept coping with extreem situations but not living.  Claiming back my life and turning my life around was the most challenging thing I have done and here I am.

I challenge the notion of the strength of a black woman because personally it was nearly the end of me.  I now have TWO NEW STRENGTHS – SAYING NO AND PUTTING MYSELF FIRST!

Lauretta