My Dearest,
In the beginning, God created you from my rib, fashioning you from the bones that protect my heart. Through the years, you have served many roles: my companion, my champion, my confidant, and my protector. You have stood at the front lines and fought for my salvation at times with your words, and at times with your body. From the beginning, your beautiful being, shaped in His image and refined in His fire has been by my side in sacred covenant, building, supporting, and loving me. So, it is with mixed emotions that I pen this letter to you today. Upon reflection of my leadership, sadly, I have not upheld my end of the bargain. It is with dry mouth and saddened voice that I extended my deepest apology and admit that it has been my greatest shame that I have not returned your protection and companionship with the love and service that you, as a beautiful black woman, deserve.
If you are truly angry, I understand. If you are exhausted and weary, I understand. If your body aches and heart feels numb, I understand. If your eyes are dry from so many tears, this too, I understand. Yet, I ask you not to lose hope. I ask you to approach me with a tempered optimism and belief that I will do better. I will do better because I have to do better. It is by no stretch of the imagination or exaggeration that I say that the fate of our community rests on our ability to love and uplift each other. The way forward is as it has always been; hands interlocked, heads held high, and on one accord, striving together as a family.
In this moment, I ask that you trust me to lead. I don't mean me telling you what to do. Rather, the leadership that I speak of involves the uplifting of my voice, and the extension of my hand to guide your position in the intricate dance to success that we must perform.
At times in this dance, I will ask you to stand beside me. For by my side your voice has the greatest access to my ear. I will listen to you with an empathetic ear. I will learn from you, and you from me, and we will masterfully shape our plans to build the kingdom.
At times, the paths we travel as we construct our kingdom may narrow forcing us to close ranks in single file. It is at these times I may ask you to travel in front of me. With you at the helm, I will stand behind you as a safety net, allowing you to take solace in knowing if you should fall, I am here to catch you. I will support your back with a watchful eye and help you to navigate the road to success. I will not be intimidated knowing your feet will cross into the kingdom of glory before mine. No. I will take pride in knowing that sometimes the greatest leadership requires the ability to follow.
At times, I may ask you to sit atop my shoulders. At these times, the waters might be high, the roads murky, and the walls we must see over and scale into the Promised Land might seem impenetrable. Atop my shoulders, you will be a giant. You will be able to see and describe the richness that awaits us. You will have a first glimpse into the promises meant for our family.
Lastly, there will be times that I ask you to stand behind me. Not to lessen your voice or keep you from my ear. Not to block your path to the kingdom. Not to inhibit your ability to climb mountains. I will ask that you stand behind me so that my broad shoulders may protect you from the blows that the world will hurl in our direction. Why? Because you are my most valued treasure and the key to our collective success. Your womb made me, your knowledge grew me, your loyalty cements me, and your love sustains me. So it is behind me, shielded from harm that you will birth and build a generation that will save us all.
It is with love, thankfulness, admiration, and gratitude that I share my heart with you today. I patiently await your reply. Your testimony will save a thousand souls, your actions will save a million, and your smile saved mine.
With His Strength and Honor,
Your Companion, Champion, Confidant, & Protector