Where Secrets Find Solace

by Kimberly Brown

“Let me say this: While it is not my place to convict, I believe that you were not handled as a victim. Your previous council failed you. The people who were supposed to protect you failed you, and so did the justice system. I will not allow you to be failed today.”

“Is that all you see yourself as—a criminal? A murderer? That’s not how I see you at all. You survived something some people wouldn’t have. You protected your sisters from a monster and sacrificed yourself to do so. How many people do you know would have been able to carry a fraction of what you’ve carried for so long? You are strong, resilient, and deserving of a second chance because the first one was taken from you. Maybe I don’t know this version of you, but I see you, Layah.”

My daddy always said that unjust doesn’t profit. You can fool man, but you can’t fool God.”

I am resilient and can overcome any obstacle. I am becoming the best version of myself. I deserve success and happiness. I am in control of my thoughts and emotions. I choose peace and tranquility in my life. I am deserving of respect and kindness.

Women don’t have the luxury of saying no and that being enough. They will always blame us—it’s the way we dress, the way we look, the natural curves of our bodies. You can cover up or bare it all, and men will still say you asked for it.

We were born with two things already working against us: being black and being women.

When a man is worthy of you, he will make it easy for you to handle him because he will handle you with love, care, and respect. You won’t have to worry about who you are with him or who you need to be. There’s no censorship or guilt about being vulnerable. You simply get to be you.”

“I want you—all of you—whenever you are ready for me. When you feel like you can’t love yourself, I’ll love you enough for the both of us. I’ll remind you of your worth when that little voice in your head is being cruel. I choose you. I choose you through your laughter and your tears, through your triumphs and struggles.

I am resilient and can overcome any obstacle. I am becoming the best version of myself. I deserve success and happiness. I am in control of my thoughts and emotions. I choose peace and tranquility in my life. I am deserving of respect and kindness.

Father God, I come to you a humble servant, asking you to heal all the broken parts of the woman I love. Her heart is heavy, and her mind is weary. Grant her the strength she needs in moments of weakness. Bestow upon her the courage in times of fear. Give her peace amid pain and suffering. I pray that Your restorative power flow through every cell of her body, every corner of her mind, and every depth of her spirit. These and all blessings I ask in Your name. Amen.”