A Question of Strength

Is the idea that I can do it all alone a mask for those who have been hurt and are afraid to be vulnerable? It seems that, in the African American community, we have been conditioned to believe that to do it all alone is the only way because to put trust in others leaves us susceptible to the wounds that can be only be inflicted by those we love the most. We have become a people hardened and unable or unwilling to trust for fear that we will be let down and crushed by disappointment that occurs with raised expectations. However, the ability to be vulnerable is the essence of strength because it highlights the reality that we are still open to love, and that the hurts and frustrations have not allowed us to be broken and embittered by the failings of others. The time is now to abandon the facade that we can walk alone and that we do not need anyone. The truth is that our willingness to examine our hurts and deal with the issues is a pivotal step towards collective liberation. Only when we begin to expose our vulnerabilities, will we operate from a position of true strength instead of allowing the idea of strength to become a self-imposed prison that keeps us isolated from the love we need to restore our individual and collective souls.