Guest post: By J. Brown Banks

Though I love being a woman of color, we sometimes have a hard road to travel . Sisters are often misunderstood. Our men (and other cultures) often view us as being “too strong“, and yet ironically, many of us have had to “be” strong in order to head single-parent households, battle discrimination and challenge stereotypes that portray us as video vixens more proficient at using our boodies than our brains.

As a result, our strength becomes an arsenal for survival.
It helps us to be heard. So we wear it like a badge of honor.
And when used properly, we are a force to be reckoned with! Hello!

But, sometimes a strength can become a weakness. And just like medicine intended to remedy an ill, if taken in excessive amounts can prove fatal, so can being too strong too often.

Particularly in our relationships with the opposite sex.
Through trial and error, I’ve learned that we must know when to take a stand, and when to take a seat.
We must learn that strong is not the same as “combative.”
We must learn that sometimes it will be easier to get what we want and need from cherished relationships, if we take a softer, gentler approach.
And I’ve learned that silence can indeed be golden.

Trust, even the Good Book tells us, “A wise woman builds her home. But the foolish woman tears it down with her hands.” Proverbs 14:1

Though I admit that in my former unenlightened days, I didn’t always know the difference. And this lack of knowledge caused me to lack peace, progress, and spiritual promotion. Not to mention the toll that the stress took on me.
And I know I’m not alone here.

But I’ve decided at this stage of the journey that I’d like a few less detours on the road to love, and less bumpy travels.

These days, I’m opting for wisdom over strength.
I no longer feel the need to take big stands on small issues, and prove myself day in and day out.

Even though I’m often right.
In the words of Dr. Phil, “Do you wanna‘ be happy, or do you wanna be right?
Mary J. Blige summed it up best in her hit song, “no more drama.”

Happy Valentine’s Day

Vicki Ward

2002

Its intensity makes me gasp

My eyes bathe in your rich ebony color,

Your smooth texture

The polished stone you are.

Your image is striking and bold

Reflects what is within me.

You are above all else, feminine.

What appears as a pose isn’t ,

The stance is merely you,

In your natural state of grace.

I see you there unassuming,

Yet looking fulfilled.

Your eyes reflect life you’ve lived,

Loves you’ve shared.

Your lips are those I’ve wished for;

What expressions they form,

The attention they command.

You speak volumes when you whisper,

And I grow still listening, waiting, listening.

These lips mouth words,

Taste spices, kiss lovers.

They are a weapon you guide gently,

With finesse and care.

Aware of what others see.

Yes, you sense what they think.

As you part your lips sensuously

There is a sudden quiet around you

As though waiting for sacred words.

Words not to be taken lightly.

Your crown of adornment

Falls softly upon your shoulders.

Framing your full cheeks

In tendrils of natural softness.

I see the me I want to be in you.

I wish for the confidence

Reflecting from your eyes.

Could my hair frame my face

In any way that could compare

To generating for others,

What yours does for me?

Your color above all else

Is what touches me inside.

Your neck, your cheeks your nose,

Your soul is Black,

Touching the soul of me.

I rejoice; I’m part of you

And you are all of me.

You gift me with your spirit

You are Feminine in Black.

Join us as we celebrate our history and our future. 

If you’d like to be featured as well, please check out our Guest Blogger Guidelines.

Are you a writer or simply a woman of wisdom?
Would you like to share your experiences, trials and tribulations, and words of encouragement with women across the world?

Nubian Images is now accepting articles and Blog posts for publication.

Word count should be between 250-800 words.
Poetry will also be considered.

Please send your submissions to Wardvl@yahoo.com

Allow 2-4 weeks for a response.

We regret that due to time constraints, we will not be able to comment or respond to all submissions.

Only those whose work has been chosen for inclusion on the site will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest and support.

HOLDING BACK

I don’t have the strength:

to shave my legs

be funny and charming

show interest in contact sports

cook

pretend to eat salads ALL the time

shop for sexy lingerie

make sure I don’t wear the same outfit twice

agonize over my shapely shortcomings

get a background check

condom shop

do my muscle-tensing exercises–hourly

hide my PMS symptoms

hold my farts

sleep in the wet spot

try not to snore

and

angle our conversations,

so you only see my best side

It’s a pleasure to have you here.
Words are powerful. They have the ability to uplift, empower, enlighten, connect, and even influence change.

In fact, the Bible tells us that the “power of life and death are in the tongue.”

Women have always been great communicators. Our stories of love, loss, rejection, and renewal help to form bonds and build bridges.

It is in this spirit that Nubian Images Publishing wishes to share your stories.
Since its formation, we have published hundreds of stories from women of all walks of life, who ultimately share the same journey to wholeness and self-discovery.

We welcome you to participate. Whether it’s in reading this collective wisdom, or sharing your own stories.

We’re glad you’re here.

Vicki Ward