I am a daughter of God, created in the image of the three in one community
So why am I treated as one never given immunity to the absurdity of men in my society who see no value in me.
I am like fine China, to be handled with care with celebration not crushed underfoot in exploitation.
I am deserving of compliments, not cat calls.
A gracious smile not a lustful smirk, so why am I at fault if I call you a jerk.
Open your eyes to see beauty, not what you imagine it would be like undressing me.
I am to be blessed not belittled, loved not lured.
I am to be complimented not coddled
I deserve you to be polite not patronizing
I deserve chivalry not criticism
Words quick and blunt, cut deep causing insecurity to replace safety so
I walk as one who holds my keys tight, ready to fight as I walk to my car alone at night.
I am one who longs to be looked at with delight not but not by every man in sight with greed in his eyes making me feel unwise for wearing a skirt
I am one who wants a voice to speak out when I am wronged with out a side-eyed glance that causes more harm.
I want to float down the river of life with out being told that my butt looks nice.
I want to feel safe around my brothers.
I want to be treated with respect.
I am a daughter of God, created in the image of the three in one community
So why do I have to imagine what it would be like to be treated as the queen I was meant to be.
I am strong, capable, intelligent, beautiful, worthy.
I am a leader, speaker, teacher, lover, sister, daughter and someday a mother.
I am one who is never failed by my Father even though my father failed me.
I am one who knows who she is even if she hardly believe it.
I am fine China to be handled with care in celebration, gently caressed and placed in security of knowing nothing will happen to me as long as You are by my side.
Brother, fathers, sons, men.
I am not to be messed with.
You mess with me, you mess with my Daddy.
I will respect you, love you, serve you, befriend you, marry you, take care of you - as long as you know who
I am.
This piece is written in response to two sermons that I heard today and the experience I had on the river Saturday. Both sermons were excellent. One was difficult, insightful and more challenging. The link is here if anyone ever reads this and wants to check it out. It's from Pastor Brian Sanders, who happens to be one of my favorite people and my old pastor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn7PDMzwAz0#t=13
I am in no way trying to hate on men. I love my brothers and have many that care for me deeply. For that I am grateful. But this is often reality in a society of brokenness. I pray we would speak up for each other and be aware.
