? ! .

I used to be a question mark

Bent over

Uncertain 

Compliant 

Broken

Contorted to fit the mold

Until one day, I got tired

Tired of feeling deflated 

Tired of being afraid

Tired of failing myself

A surge of anger and irritation straightened my spine

And I exclaimed, “NO MORE!”

And after some time in my Father's hands

My heart began to soften and heal

And become strong 

Strengthened by His love

Cleansed by His love

Saturated in His love

My thinking started to be transformed 

As I came to know and realize who He designed me to be

And slowly

I began to let go

Of the thoughts and behaviors that no longer served me

Until finally I could stand as me

Fully me

Unapologetically me

Free

No question about my value or worth

No question about my worthiness to take up space

No longer a question mark

Nor an exclamation mark

But rather a strong, solid, black

Period