Inner/Spiritual Strength
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
Jesus is my saving Grace but do not be deceived, I have walked away from Jesus several times. I accepted Jesus as my savior in 2003 at the age of 18. In the years since I have strayed off and on living life MY way which landed me on my knees, planting my face in my palms crying out to God. - A. Rose
The Train Called Life ©
By: April R. Pierce
People say she is strong
They tell her so
They find inspiration in her words
Each lingering detail flowing from that mind of hers
When asked if she feels strong
Her answer may surprise you
She is real and honest
Tension and stress weigh her down
She chuckled,
No, absolutely not
People think I'm strong,
Why?
Because I got to my next stop?
They didn't see the tears
That broken spirit
All that negativity
The sorrow, sadness and self-loathing
Is it strength if I cried all the way there?
Is it strength if it took me years to arrive?
Is it strength if I arrived beaten down, torn apart and tired?
Is it strength if I find my power after I arrive?
If that's strength,
Then yes, I suppose I am strong
Not because I thought I would make it
Not because I wanted to go
Not because I love life so much
I'm strong because I must be
Life goes on with or without you
Why not hop on the train called life?
Go for a joy ride
Whether it's day or night
Let the wind blow in your hair
On that train
Called Life
By: April R. Pierce
People say she is strong
They tell her so
They find inspiration in her words
Each lingering detail flowing from that mind of hers
When asked if she feels strong
Her answer may surprise you
She is real and honest
Tension and stress weigh her down
She chuckled,
No, absolutely not
People think I'm strong,
Why?
Because I got to my next stop?
They didn't see the tears
That broken spirit
All that negativity
The sorrow, sadness and self-loathing
Is it strength if I cried all the way there?
Is it strength if it took me years to arrive?
Is it strength if I arrived beaten down, torn apart and tired?
Is it strength if I find my power after I arrive?
If that's strength,
Then yes, I suppose I am strong
Not because I thought I would make it
Not because I wanted to go
Not because I love life so much
I'm strong because I must be
Life goes on with or without you
Why not hop on the train called life?
Go for a joy ride
Whether it's day or night
Let the wind blow in your hair
On that train
Called Life
Who's that girl?
By: April R. Pierce
Don't mess with that girl
Leave miss boo thang alone
She don't want you in her gang
On a mission to find herself
She'll tell you to kiss her ass
With all that class
Mindin' her own
Leave that girl alone
She's a badass
By her own right
She don't want to fight
Just to do her own thing
Not be distracted by a fling
Nobody got time for that
By: April R. Pierce
Don't mess with that girl
Leave miss boo thang alone
She don't want you in her gang
On a mission to find herself
She'll tell you to kiss her ass
With all that class
Mindin' her own
Leave that girl alone
She's a badass
By her own right
She don't want to fight
Just to do her own thing
Not be distracted by a fling
Nobody got time for that
The Journey ©
By: April R. Pierce
I'm finding myself again
I've been lost for so long
I don't know who I am
Will I make it?
Can I survive?
How did I ever do it alone?
I'll shine again
Lighting the way for others
Succeeding at what I do
That's what I've always done
Despite obstacles I keep fighting
I have someplace to be
I don't know where I'm going
I do know, I'll be strong when I get there
I'll find that happiness again
Phoenix Rising
By: April R. Pierce
Beautiful she was
Freedom reigns
Within her soul
She flies on the wings
Of eagles
Moments add up
The water pours in
Her legs are tired
She can't swim anymore
I can't drown she yells
That girl is a fighter
Never giving up
She swims for her life
Knowing she'll make it to shore
Breakthrough comes
Her wings spread
She was never a girl
She's a Phoenix
A Phoenix rising
Watch her soul sparkle
Renewed Life ©
By: April R. Pierce
She hid her emotions
Emotions she was not permitted to express
Those words left wounds on her shattered heart
Inadequate, burdensome, worthless, stupid, useless
Those words haunted her
Each time a new person yelled them at her
It reinforced how true they were
Until she believed them
One day she realized those people lied
Those people projected what they felt inwardly
They were broken people
She realized she was enough
She had always been enough
She kept fighting battle after battle
Licking her wounds in the darkness
She came out of hiding to save her soul
She learned self-discovery
She progressively learned self-love
She decided to live
She smiled at her renewed life
By: April R. Pierce
She hid her emotions
Emotions she was not permitted to express
Those words left wounds on her shattered heart
Inadequate, burdensome, worthless, stupid, useless
Those words haunted her
Each time a new person yelled them at her
It reinforced how true they were
Until she believed them
One day she realized those people lied
Those people projected what they felt inwardly
They were broken people
She realized she was enough
She had always been enough
She kept fighting battle after battle
Licking her wounds in the darkness
She came out of hiding to save her soul
She learned self-discovery
She progressively learned self-love
She decided to live
She smiled at her renewed life
Life after death ©
By: April R. Pierce
Life was dark
Dangerous in that mind
Letting go of all cares
Dead person walking
Death followed her everywhere
A sense of unworthiness
Not welcomed
So much more than she could bear
Each high was a gamble
Maybe she would die
Maybe she would get excessively high
Win win either way
Life had nothing to offer
Not to her
So she believed
Surviving was all she knew
Life is like a hug now
Always feeling loved
Adventure awaits
No more substance abuse
She is free to be herself
She now lives
Her smiles are genuine
Second chances are real
Life after death is possible
Always Enough ©
By: April R. Pierce
In the darkness,
When all is quiet
The skeletons in the closet appear
Reminding her of every wrong step
As the tears flow
She remembers tomorrow is a new day
Hanging on by a thread
Praying for the chains to break
The process is slow
Pain smothers her
There is hope
There must be
As the breakthrough shines through
She smiles with pure bliss
Finally, able to breathe
She is now able to see her true potential
She understands she is enough today
She will always be enough
She always has been
By: April R. Pierce
In the darkness,
When all is quiet
The skeletons in the closet appear
Reminding her of every wrong step
As the tears flow
She remembers tomorrow is a new day
Hanging on by a thread
Praying for the chains to break
The process is slow
Pain smothers her
There is hope
There must be
As the breakthrough shines through
She smiles with pure bliss
Finally, able to breathe
She is now able to see her true potential
She understands she is enough today
She will always be enough
She always has been
Courage & Fear ©
By: April R. Pierce
The look in her eyes as she spoke
Those words of self-defeat and inadequacy
Has anyone ever listened to her?
She is beautiful and kind, unbeknownst to her
Anxiety captivates her
Wishing she had courage, she tells me
Courage is often misunderstood
One does not need it before leaping
Fear can devour us, I tell her
Courage and fear go hand in hand
Take that leap of faith
No matter if you're afraid
Even when you don't believe in yourself
It will be waiting on the other side
Let go of the shame
The shame that was force fed to you
Shed familiarity in exchange for freedom
The growing pains will hurt
Run freely
Feel the warm sun on your smiling face,
As you run freely without shackles
Let freedom reign despite the pain
By: April R. Pierce
The look in her eyes as she spoke
Those words of self-defeat and inadequacy
Has anyone ever listened to her?
She is beautiful and kind, unbeknownst to her
Anxiety captivates her
Wishing she had courage, she tells me
Courage is often misunderstood
One does not need it before leaping
Fear can devour us, I tell her
Courage and fear go hand in hand
Take that leap of faith
No matter if you're afraid
Even when you don't believe in yourself
It will be waiting on the other side
Let go of the shame
The shame that was force fed to you
Shed familiarity in exchange for freedom
The growing pains will hurt
Run freely
Feel the warm sun on your smiling face,
As you run freely without shackles
Let freedom reign despite the pain
When the dawn breaks ©
By: April R. Pierce
When the dawn breaks
We see the breakthrough
We see the beauty
We see what we have been yearning
The darkness and pain have come to an end
As we soak in the sun rising
We learn to grow
We see the light
It may not happen the way we expect
That would be far too simple
Comfort does not produce growth
When the dawn breaks
We can see clearly
We can now pick up the pieces
As the sun shines down on us
We can finally feel its warmth
We become strong
We can smile again
We may be beautifully broken
Nonetheless, we may now love ourselves
By: April R. Pierce
When the dawn breaks
We see the breakthrough
We see the beauty
We see what we have been yearning
The darkness and pain have come to an end
As we soak in the sun rising
We learn to grow
We see the light
It may not happen the way we expect
That would be far too simple
Comfort does not produce growth
When the dawn breaks
We can see clearly
We can now pick up the pieces
As the sun shines down on us
We can finally feel its warmth
We become strong
We can smile again
We may be beautifully broken
Nonetheless, we may now love ourselves
The Match ©
By: April R. Pierce
Held captive by that mind of hers
Elated one moment
Joyfulness caresses her
Then the despair sets in
Fear takes the wheel
Defending her stomping ground
She fights back
Jabs to her jaw slow her down
Blackened eyes impair her vision
Lying there she counts down the seconds
Ten seconds until it's over
No! I will not be defeated by myself
Jumping to her feet
She gives a solid left hook
She is fierce and quick
She may be small
Don't underestimate her will
She's done running
She's done giving up
As she holds the trophy over her head
She smiles with that sparkle in her eyes
Knowing she will win every time
That mind of hers will not conquer her
With her head held high
She passes the cheering crowd
High fives here
Hugs there
The one she must impress
The one who matters most
Is herself
By: April R. Pierce
Held captive by that mind of hers
Elated one moment
Joyfulness caresses her
Then the despair sets in
Fear takes the wheel
Defending her stomping ground
She fights back
Jabs to her jaw slow her down
Blackened eyes impair her vision
Lying there she counts down the seconds
Ten seconds until it's over
No! I will not be defeated by myself
Jumping to her feet
She gives a solid left hook
She is fierce and quick
She may be small
Don't underestimate her will
She's done running
She's done giving up
As she holds the trophy over her head
She smiles with that sparkle in her eyes
Knowing she will win every time
That mind of hers will not conquer her
With her head held high
She passes the cheering crowd
High fives here
Hugs there
The one she must impress
The one who matters most
Is herself
Expectations ©
By: April R. Pierce
Life is not what we expect
We may have goals and dreams
If those dreams do not develop as intended,
We are left to battle a multitude of emotions
Acceptance is key to personal growth
Providing serenity and growth
Only after we humble ourselves
That’s a big task to undertake
The battle is exhausting
Shameful and embarrassing,
As loved ones watch us protest life
We may cry, hide or run
Only to carry ourselves everywhere we go
There is no escape from the war within our minds
Life cannot be controlled by us
Relinquish this desire
Life flows as it should,
Even in the worst of times
Peace of mind comes once we realize this
Serenity sets in when we let go of our turmoil
Self-love builds when we recognize this
Progress can now begin
By: April R. Pierce
Life is not what we expect
We may have goals and dreams
If those dreams do not develop as intended,
We are left to battle a multitude of emotions
Acceptance is key to personal growth
Providing serenity and growth
Only after we humble ourselves
That’s a big task to undertake
The battle is exhausting
Shameful and embarrassing,
As loved ones watch us protest life
We may cry, hide or run
Only to carry ourselves everywhere we go
There is no escape from the war within our minds
Life cannot be controlled by us
Relinquish this desire
Life flows as it should,
Even in the worst of times
Peace of mind comes once we realize this
Serenity sets in when we let go of our turmoil
Self-love builds when we recognize this
Progress can now begin
What is Inspiration? ©
By: April R. Pierce
Inspiration comes in many forms
We often think of it as positive
Sometimes it is
Other times it can hit us in our gut
An old wound may sting when triggered
Bitterness from others can cause us to self-reflect
Grieving may spring one into action
When this awakening occurs, it breaks a barrier
That is our moment to change
The instant we can alter our lives forever
Embrace that revelation
Even when it stimulates us to notice our short comings
Self-awareness allows us to mature
Conquering each inner affliction
Healing begins when we persevere forward
It can be achieved with faithful foot work
One step at a time,
We are educating ourselves
Ultimately saving oneself
Painful, possibly yes
Worth it, definitely
Fear, destroy it
Strength, embrace it
By: April R. Pierce
Inspiration comes in many forms
We often think of it as positive
Sometimes it is
Other times it can hit us in our gut
An old wound may sting when triggered
Bitterness from others can cause us to self-reflect
Grieving may spring one into action
When this awakening occurs, it breaks a barrier
That is our moment to change
The instant we can alter our lives forever
Embrace that revelation
Even when it stimulates us to notice our short comings
Self-awareness allows us to mature
Conquering each inner affliction
Healing begins when we persevere forward
It can be achieved with faithful foot work
One step at a time,
We are educating ourselves
Ultimately saving oneself
Painful, possibly yes
Worth it, definitely
Fear, destroy it
Strength, embrace it
That Power ©
By: April R. Pierce
My power has been stripped away
Not a superpower
That would be rad
Not the power that is bad,
The kind that goes to your head
Boundaries and confidence is my power
Knowing when to say yes and no
Positive thinking and perseverance
Those are my powers
I let people and life tear them from my hands
I didn't want to step on toes
I let my guard down
Now, I'm fighting a battle
I grab my arrows of strength
Only to realize my bag is empty
I keep fighting those demons
Fists up and cunning improv sit readily available
I'm the only one who can fight this war
Looking around at life
I realize I can take back my power anytime
I will make it to wherever I'm going
As my God protects me
By: April R. Pierce
My power has been stripped away
Not a superpower
That would be rad
Not the power that is bad,
The kind that goes to your head
Boundaries and confidence is my power
Knowing when to say yes and no
Positive thinking and perseverance
Those are my powers
I let people and life tear them from my hands
I didn't want to step on toes
I let my guard down
Now, I'm fighting a battle
I grab my arrows of strength
Only to realize my bag is empty
I keep fighting those demons
Fists up and cunning improv sit readily available
I'm the only one who can fight this war
Looking around at life
I realize I can take back my power anytime
I will make it to wherever I'm going
As my God protects me
Virtues ©
By: April R. Pierce
Uncertainty lingers
Comfortable seems appealing
Growth yells at me,
Begging me to come along
Fear invades my brain
Perseverance reminds me growing hurts
Humility and honesty are freeing
Breakthrough waits around the corner
Excitement flows through me
I will find those virtues again
The ones I long for
The ones that make me a better person
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
By: April R. Pierce
Uncertainty lingers
Comfortable seems appealing
Growth yells at me,
Begging me to come along
Fear invades my brain
Perseverance reminds me growing hurts
Humility and honesty are freeing
Breakthrough waits around the corner
Excitement flows through me
I will find those virtues again
The ones I long for
The ones that make me a better person
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
Turbulent Healing ©
By: April R. Pierce
Nightmares wake her
Tiresome days from sleepless nights
Fear penetrates her entire being
Fear and anxiety
Awake, asleep, at the store
Everywhere
Compulsions take over
While she sleeps
When the sun shines
The healing has begun
The pain hurts
Growth is taking place
Yet, wishing it could be over
The memories haunt
Shame distends its nasty head
Freedom has come
Yet has still not been attained
The turbulence is rocky
Jesus lights her path
While she finds solid ground
Unclear when that will be
She continues to persevere through the pain
By: April R. Pierce
Nightmares wake her
Tiresome days from sleepless nights
Fear penetrates her entire being
Fear and anxiety
Awake, asleep, at the store
Everywhere
Compulsions take over
While she sleeps
When the sun shines
The healing has begun
The pain hurts
Growth is taking place
Yet, wishing it could be over
The memories haunt
Shame distends its nasty head
Freedom has come
Yet has still not been attained
The turbulence is rocky
Jesus lights her path
While she finds solid ground
Unclear when that will be
She continues to persevere through the pain
Breakthrough ©
By: April R. Pierce
Broken and damaged
Is how she feels
She sees her breakthrough moment
Over there
Each step feels like a crawl
Barely making it
Exhaustion tires her
As she goes after her moment
Learning to embrace life
Her mind knows what to do
That heart of hers hurts
It seems to dictate her life
She is strong
She will make it over there
To claim her breakthrough moment
Someday soon
Despite the obstacles
By: April R. Pierce
Broken and damaged
Is how she feels
She sees her breakthrough moment
Over there
Each step feels like a crawl
Barely making it
Exhaustion tires her
As she goes after her moment
Learning to embrace life
Her mind knows what to do
That heart of hers hurts
It seems to dictate her life
She is strong
She will make it over there
To claim her breakthrough moment
Someday soon
Despite the obstacles
Embrace Life ©
By: April R. Pierce
It's 11 o'clock PM and I'm listening to music reflecting on life
How far I've come
How many steps I've made backwards and forwards
I grew up rough, seriously rough
Because of that,
I naturally lean towards the negative,
Always looking for the next nightmare to begin
Anxiety and depression have haunted me since childhood
Despite the obstacles,
The many obstacles like I'm a freaking target
I've learned to re-parent myself and made some pretty awesome accomplishments
On the contrary,
I also made what seems like a million mistakes and bad decisions
I've realized to just embrace life and the roughest times
During the sorrow and sadness,
in the darkness,
in the stillness,
when no one is looking,
it is me who decides if I drown
Why not make life a little fun
Look on the bright side
Look at the beautiful flowers
Love the sunshine and blue sky
Smile when a lizard runs by
Because those are the little things that make this world so amazing
Forget the haters, let go of the past, look for your breakthrough moment
Take that leap of faith
Jesus has by back!
By: April R. Pierce
It's 11 o'clock PM and I'm listening to music reflecting on life
How far I've come
How many steps I've made backwards and forwards
I grew up rough, seriously rough
Because of that,
I naturally lean towards the negative,
Always looking for the next nightmare to begin
Anxiety and depression have haunted me since childhood
Despite the obstacles,
The many obstacles like I'm a freaking target
I've learned to re-parent myself and made some pretty awesome accomplishments
On the contrary,
I also made what seems like a million mistakes and bad decisions
I've realized to just embrace life and the roughest times
During the sorrow and sadness,
in the darkness,
in the stillness,
when no one is looking,
it is me who decides if I drown
Why not make life a little fun
Look on the bright side
Look at the beautiful flowers
Love the sunshine and blue sky
Smile when a lizard runs by
Because those are the little things that make this world so amazing
Forget the haters, let go of the past, look for your breakthrough moment
Take that leap of faith
Jesus has by back!
Rainbows & Storms ©
By: April R. Pierce
She's there,
Sitting quietly
Showing her strength
Hiding her true feelings
Crying in the inside
The river inside tries to take over
As the sunshine rises
She smiles, taking in the warmth
Like a warm blanket,
Covering her soft skin
Her smile is genuine
She loves life
Yet, she feels lonely
Unheard
Overlooked
The river rushes through her
The waves crashing into her
Slowly dripping from those big, gorgeous eyes
She wipes it away
Staying strong
When the rainbow shines bright
She sees her breakthrough
Keep pushing she tells herself
Gracefully she picks herself up
Dusts her knees
Running,
She went for her breakthrough moment
By: April R. Pierce
She's there,
Sitting quietly
Showing her strength
Hiding her true feelings
Crying in the inside
The river inside tries to take over
As the sunshine rises
She smiles, taking in the warmth
Like a warm blanket,
Covering her soft skin
Her smile is genuine
She loves life
Yet, she feels lonely
Unheard
Overlooked
The river rushes through her
The waves crashing into her
Slowly dripping from those big, gorgeous eyes
She wipes it away
Staying strong
When the rainbow shines bright
She sees her breakthrough
Keep pushing she tells herself
Gracefully she picks herself up
Dusts her knees
Running,
She went for her breakthrough moment
Loneliness vs. Solitude ©
By: April R. Pierce
Loneliness is heartbreaking
Solitude is peaceful
Loneliness is searching
Solitude is contentment
The line between the two is thin
It is easy to cross over unknowingly
It is difficult to return to solitude
Loneliness is looking for comfort,
Comfort in people, places and things
Solitude is freedom
Loneliness is empty
Solitude has a full heart
Progress not perfection
Let go of unnecessary pressure
Learning self-love kills loneliness
Solitude nurtures
By: April R. Pierce
Loneliness is heartbreaking
Solitude is peaceful
Loneliness is searching
Solitude is contentment
The line between the two is thin
It is easy to cross over unknowingly
It is difficult to return to solitude
Loneliness is looking for comfort,
Comfort in people, places and things
Solitude is freedom
Loneliness is empty
Solitude has a full heart
Progress not perfection
Let go of unnecessary pressure
Learning self-love kills loneliness
Solitude nurtures
She is ©
By: April R. Pierce
She loves...
Life
Learning
Being creative
Jesus
Observing
Praying
Hoping
Dreaming
Smiling
Making people laugh
She is...
Human
Has flaws
Insecure
Real
Honest
Caring
Growing
Her own worst enemy
Her own best friend
Inspiring
Stronger than she thinks
I am...
Loved
Kind
Seen
Conquering mental illness
Persevering
A fighter
Transparent
Independent
Afraid sometimes
I will keep...
Moving forward
Thinking
Persevering
My head up
Observing
Wishing
Hoping
Being kind
Loving life
Being positive
Aspiring for more
Growing even when it hurts
By: April R. Pierce
She loves...
Life
Learning
Being creative
Jesus
Observing
Praying
Hoping
Dreaming
Smiling
Making people laugh
She is...
Human
Has flaws
Insecure
Real
Honest
Caring
Growing
Her own worst enemy
Her own best friend
Inspiring
Stronger than she thinks
I am...
Loved
Kind
Seen
Conquering mental illness
Persevering
A fighter
Transparent
Independent
Afraid sometimes
I will keep...
Moving forward
Thinking
Persevering
My head up
Observing
Wishing
Hoping
Being kind
Loving life
Being positive
Aspiring for more
Growing even when it hurts
The Real Me ©
By: April R. Pierce
I'm broken, damaged
Chewed and spit out
The world has stained me
My heart has been shattered
Will I be accepted?
Am I too damaged?
I've worked so hard
To become better than I was yesterday
I have picked up the pieces,
To my heart
I embrace my life
I allow myself to feel
I let my energy flow
I don't want to hide anymore
I want you to see the real me
The one who has battle scars
The one who fought and conquered
The girl who made mistakes
Who made a mess of her life
But is cleaning it up
That woman who is breaking free
The real me
By: April R. Pierce
I'm broken, damaged
Chewed and spit out
The world has stained me
My heart has been shattered
Will I be accepted?
Am I too damaged?
I've worked so hard
To become better than I was yesterday
I have picked up the pieces,
To my heart
I embrace my life
I allow myself to feel
I let my energy flow
I don't want to hide anymore
I want you to see the real me
The one who has battle scars
The one who fought and conquered
The girl who made mistakes
Who made a mess of her life
But is cleaning it up
That woman who is breaking free
The real me
Shine Bright ©
By: April R. Pierce
Lost, confused
Her feelings intensify
Tangled in her mess of emotions
Not knowing up from down
Running away sounds enticing
Fixing the damage blurs between the lines
Obligation or love?
Too much pressure races in her mind
The knot behind her skull tightens
Pounding between the perfectly arched eyebrows
They furrow in discomfort
Fear threatens to reign
Self-care knows it's priority
Her mind calms with each written word
She's gonna keep shining
No one is gonna keep her down
By: April R. Pierce
Lost, confused
Her feelings intensify
Tangled in her mess of emotions
Not knowing up from down
Running away sounds enticing
Fixing the damage blurs between the lines
Obligation or love?
Too much pressure races in her mind
The knot behind her skull tightens
Pounding between the perfectly arched eyebrows
They furrow in discomfort
Fear threatens to reign
Self-care knows it's priority
Her mind calms with each written word
She's gonna keep shining
No one is gonna keep her down