Don’t let anyone make you feel small.

Don’t let anyone make you be quiet. 

Don’t let anyone keep you in the shadows.

You are allowed to take up space. 

You are allowed to have big feelings and emotions. 

You are allowed to be yourself.

You are allowed to protect your body, mind, heart, and soul.

You are allowed to shine.

Don’t let a loved one dull your light.

Don’t let a mentor mock your pain.

Don’t let a man of God criticize your calling.

Don’t let a pastor blame you for your child’s disabilities and behaviors.

Don’t let your silence be agreement with broken systems and a lack of accountability.

You have permission to say no.

You have permission to cry and get angry.

You have permission to laugh and be loud.

You have permission to heal and to rest, to pause and to move forward. 

You have permission to cheer others on and to stand up for them… including yourself. 

You have permission to throw off the shame that you were never meant to carry.

You have permission to speak your truth, to tell your story, to share your testimony.