Self-esteem comes from within, it may be affected by the people around you and the circumstances you exist in but at the end of the day, you determine how good or bad you feel about yourself, this in turn affects how others interact with you and helps you live out your purpose as best as you can.
Here is a poem/prayer for thought by Runett Nia Ebo to remind you of your worth no matter the prevailing circumstances.
Lord, Lord
Why did you make me black?
Why did you make someone
The world would want to hold back?
Black is the colour of dirty clothes,
The color of grimy hands and feet
Black is the color of darkness
The color of tire-beaten streets.
Why did you give me thick lips,
A broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did You make someone
Who receives the hatred stare?
Black is the color of bruised eye
When someone gets hurt.
Black is the color of darkness,
Black is the color of dirt.
How come my bone structure’s so thick,
My hips and cheeks are high?
How come my eyes are brown
And not the color of daylight sky?
Why do people think I’m useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do some people see my skin
And think I should be abused?
Lord I just don’t understand
What is it about my skin?
Why do some people want to hate me
And don’t know the person within?
Black is what people are listed
When others want to keep them away
Black is the color of shadow cast
Black is the end of the day
Lord you know my own people mistreat me
And I know this just ain’t right
They don’t like my hair
They say I’m too dark or too light.
Lord don’t you think it’s time for you
To make a change?
Why don’t you re-do creation
And make everyone the same?
GOD ANSWERED
Why did I make you black?
Why did I make you black?
Get off your knees and look around
Tell me what do you see?
I didn’t make the image of darkness,
I made you in the likeness of ME!
I made you the color of coal,
From which beautiful diamonds are formed
I made you the color of oil,
The black gold that keeps people warm.
I made you from the rich dark earth that can
Grow the food that you need
Your colors’ the same as the black stallion,
A majestic animal is he.
I didn’t make you in the image of darkness
I made you in the likeness of ME!
All the colors of the heavenly rainbow can be
Found throughout every nation
But when all of those colors were blended,
You became my greatest creation.
Your hair is the texture of lamb’s wool
Such a humble little creature is he
I am the shepherd who watches them
I am the one who will watch over thee
You are the color of midnight sky
I put stars glitters in your eyes
There is a smile hidden behind your pain
That’s why your cheeks are so high
You are the color of dark clouds formed
When I send my stronger weather
I made your lips full so when you kiss the one
That you love, they will remember.
Your nature is strong, your bone structure thick
To withstand the burdens of time.
The reflection you see in the mirror
The image that looks black is MINE.
By RuNett Nia Ebo
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