I am humbled because I've experienced humility.
I am encouraged because I've been discouraged.
I am confident because I've seen hope.
I am beautiful because God has given me life.
I am forgiven because I've admitted guilt.
I am responsible because of irresponsibility.
I am qualified because I've had experience.
I am open minded because of the bigger picture.
I am empathetic because I've seen apathy.
I am strengthened because I've been weakened.
I am happy because I've known sadness.
I am loved because I've experienced hate.
I am gentle because I've seen roughness.
I am peaceful because I've experienced violence.
I am powerful because I've been powerless.
I am wise because I've been imprudent.
I am uplifted because I've been depressed.
I am knowledgeable because of my teachers.
I am successful because I've known failure.
I am compassionate because I've been heartless.
I am all of these things and so much more.
I am human.
By Juanita J Smalls 10/20/16