Family of Women

My spirit was reminded several times this week of a beautiful soul. Such a beautiful friend she was to me. Her spirit still lives on. I was 17 and she just a few years older when she gave me words that remind me of who I am today. I had heard similar words before....but these words...her words did more than affirm my flesh....they affirmed my spirit...and affirmed my power as a woman. They were a gift to me. Standing at the counter in Abyssinians, a store that use to be downtown in Savannah we laughed and chatted as we did many days. "You are a beautiful queen sista!" Torkwase said in a loud and matter of fact voice. She announced it across the store where she worked. It was not just a complement from her. She was giving me something... something she took back in her own life... Strength...Power...and Beauty. And she wore it boldly...proudly! I knew her as Torkwase and Juliette Rutledge. Juliette was her birth name. Torkwase was the name her soul knew. The Yoruba meaning of Torkwase is.... Queen. 💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓 You are a beautiful queen sista! You are a beautiful queen sista! Beloved woman...yes you! The reflection of me! All the colors of women that my eyes can see! Here hold your heart out.... take what you already own! Strength....Power...Beauty! Strength...Power...Beauty! Yessssssss Sista sit on your throne! You deserve it! With these qualities you were born! A gift given to me... today I want you to receive. Give it to all the women around you that might be in need... of a reminder of who they are. Tell them "You are a beautiful queen sista! Shine...shine...shine bright among us... the STARS!" Rachel Mapp pic Family of Women by David Kreider