I am a daughter of the Most High. My limit is beyond the sky. Can't stop me if you want to try. In Him there's no cage, I can truly fly. I am a soldier in the front line. A member of The Holy Vine. Got knowledge that reigns divine. I eat the bread and drink the wine. I am a bold servant of The Truth. He redeemed me in my youth. There will never be a substitute. My sins washed away, considered restitute. I am a follower of The Way. Gotta watch and always pray. Demons come; in His Name I slay. He gives me grace and mercy every day. I am, a reflection of His glory. I believe in The Bible story. Tell His Spirit to go before me. One in Three, who helps me be and eyes to see. I am, saved by His amazing grace. Gotta go to the inner place. Forever running in the narrow race. Never tired and I keep the saintly pace. I Am

You were my water when I was thirsty, oh Lord. You were my bread my manna from heaven, oh Lord. Became my strength, my tower of refuge, oh Lord. Softened a heart that was hardened to you, oh Lord. My spirit pours out songs of joy and songs of thanks. Songs that my soul cries out in the morning I give you praise. You are my freedom song, you are my freedom song, Freedom, my Lord. (repeat) Set my soul free from the chains of sin, oh Lord. Removed the scales from my eyes to see you, oh, Lord. Took all my burdens, my heavy load, oh Lord. Became my peace in the midst of storms, oh Lord Inside of me rises songs of redemption, songs of praise. Overjoyed at the thought of your love, sacrificial, you were raised. You are my freedom song, you are my freedom song, Freedom, my Lord. (repeat) You healed and delivered me. Set my soul free. Took away the stains and tore the veil. Made my soul well. I am called redeemed, adopted royalty. I’m connected to the vine. Freedom is mine. You are my freedom song, you are my freedom song, Freedom, my Lord. You are my freedom song, you are my freedom song, Jesus, my Lord. Freedom, freedom, yes you are. (2x)

Your love for me is amazing. More intense than the fires blazing at the innermost parts of the sun. You have made me the one. The one You lived for, died for, cried for, was despised for, You feel my pain. And I know it's insane, but I can't wrap my brain around the depth of Your love. You're my advocate, my strength when I want to quit, my innermost parts You have knit and I must admit that I sometimes I don't feel fit to be an heiress in Your kingdom. But, You're compassionate. You have given me a crown of immeasurable worth since my new birth, It truly is a wonder. You're Wonderful, full of grace, gracious enough to grant me forgiveness and mercy. Lord You have mercy, You're sitting on its seat. You're merciful, I bow at Your feet. I hurt You again and again, yet you remain my friend. You never desert me. Instead, You draw me nearer until Your voice becomes clearer in the midst of the noise. In You, I'm poised. You rule and reign, yet were humble and meek, turning the other cheek. My perfect example, my standard, my rule. I''m such a fool in comparison to Your knowledge. Simply put, your love leaves me dumbfounded. It's infinitely compounded with a selfless interest. The dividends are received daily, I'm not taxed on this return. Your love eternally burns. After You, my heart yearns. I'm Your wife, your bride. You gaze upon me with pride. When all I see, are damaged goods. You cleanse me everyday, showering me with affection. Bleaching my stains to perfection, guiding me in the right direction. In Your presence, I'm in awe... full. All of me is at attention. I can't stand at ease when with the one who bore what I couldn't bear. Saved me from a life of despair, when I didn't even care. But You loved me, love me, still loving me. Amazing

When you look into the mirror what do you see? A queen or a scared girl trying to be, the best that she can be in this world? When you think of how you're treated what do you deserve? The crumbs on the table or a royal feast? Perception determines our attitude? When you strive for your potential where do you reach? Consuming doubts block possibilities? We can be our own worst enemy? Don't let them tear you down. The only way is up. Their words are only poison. Stop drinking from their cup. Just listen to The Voice that's ringing in your ear. It tells you who you are. You hear It loud and clear. It says: You are beautiful. I made you amazing. You are powerful. I made you amazing. You are wonderful. I made you amazing. You are valuable. I made youu amazing. When you look into your future what do you see? The same circumstance or victory? If God can bring you through, He'll bring you out. When you think about your value what are you worth? More precious than gold or cheaper than dirt? We can transform our standards. When you think about your problems, how do you feel? Oppressed and hopeless or strengthened by zeal? You are more than a conqueror. Your enemies won't prosper, no matter how they try. You're almost out the valley. He hears your every cry. Just listen to The Voice that's ringing in your ear. It tells you who you are. You hear It loud and clear. It says: You are beautiful. I made you amazing. You are powerful. I made you amazing. You are wonderful. I made you amazing. You are valuable. I made you amazing.

When you see me what do you see? Are you looking with thoughts of complexity? Or do you judge me by my skin? Misperceptions take over your thoughts within. When you see me what do you see? When I see you, I see me In the parking lots, of Abu Dhabi. Sitting on curbs ,on cars, you’re noticeable from afar, deep in number. And as some begin to slumber, you begin the wait. Standing, waiting, sitting, waiting. In clothes scantily clad, waiting to be had. Waiting, for whoever’s willing. Waiting, because somebody needs a sensual healing, Waiting, in the post meridian. You know the places near the area, the club, that’s a hub for certain night time activities. I walk by and my soul cries, as my eyes are wide open, shut. We’re not one in the same, but when some see me, they see you. Since our skin is the same hue. And all I can do is be heartbroken. I know my privilege is a token, at times discarded by the beholder. I was denied entry into a venue. Felt dejected being rejected. But sometimes, things like that are expected. I refused to fight for my right to party I’m not beasty, but boy I held my tongue, with hesitation. Because I knew I didn’t need a reservation. My pride was sided and I decided not to say: Do you know who I am? An American? Yes, my skin indicates African. But, I’m American. African American. Let me in. I’m being told I can’t enter yet I’m from the epicenter of the music being played: Hip Hop. You’re telling me to stop? Blasting music created by folks that look like me? How can this be? Oh, the irony. I knew it was wrong to say I didn’t belong, but I moved on. Being turned away was not okay, but have a nice day, anyway. One time, I finished grocery shopping and hopped in my car. That’s when he approached me from afar. The accent, I couldn’t place nor his race. But he asked me to a room and I’m like, you bafoon. Clearly, not thinking. Not trying, classifying the skin that meets the eye. He saw a shade of brown and looked down, upon me. In his eyes, my black body was made for his pleasure. But it’s not, it’s a treasure, a temple. This dude was really simple. Occurrences like these, helped me to see and have empathy. So when I see you, I see me. In the parking lots of Abu Dhabi. When I walk by, my soul cries, as my eyes are wide open, shut. We’re not one in the same, but when some see me, they see you. Since our skin is the same hue. And all I can do is be heartbroken. Because my passport is a token. When you see me what do you see? Are you looking with thoughts of complexity? Or do you judge me by my skin? Misperceptions take over your thoughts within. When you see me what do you see?

34th and Madison is where my story all begins. I was walking on a New York Street where people move to a different beat. Everyday I passed her by, this girl standing always caught my eye. Couldn't a been more than seventeen, her clothes were haggard but she tried to look clean. Sometimes she’d ask for food, but we all walked by thinking she was rude. One day, I don’t know why, my calloused heart opened wide. Musta been God that made me feel, caused I asked this girl if she wanted a meal. Her smile was bright, it could part the sky, she looked me in the eye and she replied... “My name is Angel. I’ve been living on my own since I was thirteen. My daddy kicked me out ‘cuz he was so mean. My mother stood there beside that man, told me, ‘Girl when you’re older you’ll understand.’ I said ‘Mama, what am I to do?’ Times got so rough I dropped out of school. It’s hard to survive on these New York streets. I had to compromise my purity and there’s no such thing as security. But, one thing I’m sure of, my name is Angel." So, I took her to the restaurant, I said "Girl you’re free, order what you want." She said “I rummaged through garbage for 30 days. I’m grateful for this meal in every way.” I said, “Honey chile, it’s the least I can do. Please tell me how else can I help you. Can I pray? Give you cash? A place to lay your head? Just say the word, I have an extra bed.” She said, “Don’t pray. Don’t shed a tear, I gave up hope and no longer fear. Your God abandoned me in every way. My best friend’s the devil and he’s here to stay.” I said, “Angel, my God cares for you. There’ll always be trouble, He’ll help you make it through. Don’t blame Him for the evil in this here world. Eve made a choice and Adam followed his girl. You may feel alone but He’s at the door. Just ask and receive you’ll get to know Him more.” She said, “Don’t judge me, I don’t follow your rules. I made it this far cuz‘ I’m not a fool. My life’s my own you don’t understand. My cards were dealt and I play my hand. Because... “My name is Angel. I’ve been living on my own since I was thirteen. My daddy kicked me out ‘cuz he was so mean. My mother stood there beside that man, told me, ‘Girl when you’re older you’ll understand.’ I said ‘Mama, what am I to do?’ Times got so rough I dropped out of school. It’s hard to survive on these New York streets. I had to compromise my purity and there’s no such thing as security. But, one thing I’m sure of, my name is Angel. Over time, Angel changed her mind. She let me help her and treat her kind. She went to school and got her GED. Things were getting better, at least, it seemed. She got a job and she worked as a temp. But, she still owed money to a jackleg pimp. I think he resided in the pits of hell. Sometimes when I called her, he’d start to yell. One day, Angel came with a friend. She had to pay her balance by 5am. I said, “Angel, call 5-0." She shook her head, no, and said she had to go. I tossed and turned ‘til the early morn’. I jumped outta bed and rushed to her group home. Yellow tape is what met my eye. I tried to deny it, but I knew she died. Her funeral was held on a sunny afternoon. I cried so much, she was gone too soon. Her name was Angel. She was living on her own since she was thirteen. Her daddy kicked her out ‘cuz he was so mean. Her mother stood there beside that man, told her, “Girl when you’re older you’ll understand.” She said, "Mama, what am I to do?" Times got so rough Angel dropped out of school. It was hard to survive on these New York streets. She had to compromise her purity and there’s no such thing as security. But, one thing I’m sure of, I miss my Angel.

This is the day. This is the day, the Lord has made me. He chose me to be His for eternity. I will rejoice. I will rejoice and be glad, for He had me in mind at the beginning of time. Before the heavens were made from a deep abyss, My purpose was in the midst. See, I was born for this. This walk, this talk, this strife. This way, this truth, this life. This joy, this peace, this grace. I was called to run in the race. And I love being on Your team Lord. The ones who never tire. For we are empowered with you fire. And it is my desire, to thank You on this day. This is my poem to You, for You didn't have to but You did And what once was hid, I now know. And it is my desire to grow, in Your glory, from glory to glory. So that when my age is multiplied and becomes old, I would have worked to increase Your fold. For there ain't no one greater. My Lord, My Rock, Yahweh, My Creator.

Mama, my first memory of you, is telling me to say what’s on my mind. I had to hold my head up high, you gave me the confidence to reach the sky. I couldn’t be nobody’s fool, I hated when you forced me to Sunday school. Please and thank you were a must, I had to respect my elders. When I was young, innocent and naive I didn’t understand. Why your love was so tough, but I held on to your hand. And now that I’m older, I realize what it takes to raise a child. This world is so cold, and all you did was worth while. So, I’m saying Mama, I’m all I am because of you. You only get one mama and God blessed me with you. God blessed me with you. Oh, yes it's true. And Mama I love you. God blessed me with you. God blessed me with you. Oh, yes it's true. And Mama I love you. Mama, I couldn’t go outside to play, until I said my times tables the right way. You bought some extra books, to make up for a history that’s overlooked. I had to memorize some quotes, from Marcus Garvey and other folks. Went to programs after class, I had to excel in science and math. When I was young, innocent and naive I didn’t understand. Why your love was so tough, but I held on to your hand. And now that I’m older, I realize what it takes to raise a child. This world is so cold, and all you did was worth while. So, I’m saying Mama, I’m all I am because of you. You only get one mama and God blessed me with you. God blessed me with you. Oh, yes it's true. And Mama I love you. God blessed me with you. God blessed me with you. Oh, yes it's true. And Mama I love you. Mama, you taught about African queens, building up my self esteem. You said I mattered on this earth, there’s people out there who’d treat me like dirt. I had to love the skin I’m in, there’s beauty in having more melanin. My hair is tightly curled, I can’t compare myself to a whitewashed world. I couldn’t go outside to play, until I said my times tables the right way. You bought some extra books, to make up for a history that’s overlooked. I had to memorize some quotes, from Marcus Garvey and other folks. Went to programs after class, I had to excel in science and math. When I was young, innocent and naive I didn’t understand. Why your love was so tough, but I held on to your hand. And now that I’m older, I realize what it takes to raise a child. This world is so cold, and all you did was worth while.

Almost forgot about my appointment tomorrow. Did I pay back my friend for the money I borrowed? Gotta send this email tonight. Pay my bill for the light. Get some milk, sugar, bread for my morning toast. Meat to make pot roast. Urgh, gotta prepare for my next meeting. This may sound fleeting, but, did I leave my radio on? Oh, I was supposed to call back Sean. Gotta wake up at the break of dawn, Get my workout on, cuz I skipped it today, again. Gotta buy a gift for my friend, Yup another birthday weekend. I'm about to go broke. Did I make time to pray to my Creator? I'll do that later. Gotta sort clothes for my laundry. Need to get some more detergent, Pay my landlord his rent. Calculate all the money I spent, last week, when I went to Flint. Tamika's in town next week from Maine. Gotta look up different ways to entertain. Shoot, Housewives comes on, I forgot to set my DVR. That's alright they'll show it again next week, that's not too far. Did I tune in to my Creator? I'll do that later. Let me make an appointment with my hairdresser. Call back that bill collector. Get some mouse traps, not the ones that snap. I really need to get a cat. I hate these old homes, too many holes in the wall. There was someone I was supposed to call Let me download that new book. Check out my newsfeed on Facebook. Let me put something on Twitter. Quote They already have clothes out for the next season? #marketing treason End Quote Tweet What else? What else? What else? Did I schedule time to be with my Creator? You know what? Now is later.