Your story didn’t begin with you
It began with those who came generations before you
They survived trauma
Fought for life
Prayed for breath
Pleaded for prayers
Begged for mercy
Waited for peace.
They left footprints for you to follow
Tears for you to wipe
Stories for you to hear
Courage for you to carry
Remember your story is their story
Your strength is their strength
Your hope continues to be their hope
And one day, your freedom
Will join with theirs
In celebration.
Don’t shut down for too long.
You might miss the revelry.
Life IS indeed beautiful.