Heavy Femininity

I have whiskers and fur.
I am not into bags or shoes.
The hair on top of my head
does whatever it wants to do.
I wear what I'm comfortable in;
I shop out of necessity.
I don't wear makeup.
I love romantic comedies.
I often swear when I speak;
I'm honest when I write.
My body, well it's my body,
and I can be promiscuous if I like
and celibate when I choose.
My body is all curves;
my personality is edgy.
My character is enduring.
My femininity is heavy.
Woman is not synonymous with wife or mother.
It is not defined by fashion and beauty.
Woman is not the presence or absence
of a marketable face and sex appeal.
Woman is not a stiletto, wedge, or flat.
It's not Urban Decay,
Kylie Cosmetics, Fenty Beauty, or Mac.
Woman is not bare-faced natural.
It's not trends and brands.
Woman is not breasts and vaginas.
Woman is me, being myself,
living my truth, maximizing my potential,
committing to be kind to my self,
my body, and my neighbors,
especially my sisters in womanhood.
Woman is her, being herself,
living her truth, maximizing her potential,
committing to be kind to her self,
her body, and her neighbors,
especially her sisters in womanhood.

An Ode To My Womenfolk

I am.
A force like my Granny
Fierce like Aunt Tammy
And sweet as pie like Aunt Jenny
I am.
Independent like Aunt Deborah
A quiet strong like Aunt Sarah
Well spoken like Aunt Jackie
And can cook a meal like Aunt Abby...or so I try
I am.
Down-to-Earth like Aunt Kechia
A fighter like Amgleshia
Trying to work hard like Andrea
Because I have vision like TeAnn
I am.
Resilient like Tamika
Creative like Denise
Audacious like Tay Tay
Fearless like CeCe
I am.
Pushing through like Montoya
With humility like Deedee
Determined like Candis
And unbreakable like Natalie
I am.
Good-hearted like Constance
With that gentle quality like Ashley
Unapologetic like Kateland
And still amiable like Jacci
I am.
Generous like Aunt Tan
Graceful like Aunt Denane
No-holds-barred like Ebone'
Firm in my truth like Ton'e
I am.
Precious like Azelynn Grace
A survivor like my Grandma Gray
And a wonder like Mama
I am.
Still breathing
Still living
Still here
I am LeKechia Lyshell.

Happy Easter!

For believers, this day represents the most significant event in history. Jesus, Christ, the Messiah, died a brutal death of crucifixion. His mother and followers were in the midst of mourning Him when the miraculous happened. He was resurrected from the dead. Maybe wrapping your mind around the idea of a dead person or situation coming to life is too difficult, but you can simplify it. Hope was restored. That, my friends, is the gist. For believers, this day signifies restored hope in victory over death, freedom over sin, and the promise of everlasting, eternal life with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; Jesus' resurrection created a permanent hope. Maybe you're not a believer. Maybe, like me, you didn't find yourself at church this morning. Maybe you just don't feel it today. That's okay. I hope you can accept this simplified truth: Hope after great loss, sorrow, and sadness can be restored. May that bring you comfort this Easter Sunday.

P.S.
Friendship is what hope looks like to me today. It is last Sunday's brunch with a group of ladies I love and adore. It is a best friend who understands so deeply why Coco causes tears and smeared mascara. It is a truth-telling sister who would fly from Kentucky to Texas for her sister. It is a message from a friend letting you know you are seen.