This is the last day of the year! And like many of you I have been thinking about goals for next year and what I want to leave in 2008 to make 2009 great. As I was praying and thinking about what should be the focus next year, how I would continue to recover from some misguided strong black woman ways, I remembered a poem I wrote more than 10 years ago that exalted the people and the thoughts that I truly revered at that time.

Click below to listen to the poem or read it following the link.
my-heroes-are-to-the-extreme2
My Heroes are to the Extreme

The advent of pop culture
borrowing,
no stolen,
from hip hop pulses
forces heroes into subconsciouses
through TV, the big screen.
Superhumans take flight
fancying fries, colas, Nikes
in delight.
They get alllll
the money
and little G’s wanna be just like them.

I don’t need no Nike
collagen lips and hips
some poster white child
telling me what womanhood is.

Right in my life
women, men
show me what womanhood is

My ultimate heroes.
My heroes are to the extreme
they have the real thing.

Grandma’s full lips
whisper
secrets of macaroni and cheese
recipes and what it takes
to keep a marriage straight for 58 years.

Auntie spread her wings
north
went to school
twice married
twice divorced
forward thinking
broke traditional roles and rules.

My daddy integrates his classroom
tells white humans
about black humans and other humans
being treated as subhumans
to humanize them
to tell the truth.

Yes, my heroes are to the extreme
they have the real thing
tell the real thing.

Baldwin told of his triple score
poor, black, homosexual
quite effective
shared his messages
without fearing writing suicide

My mama
my hero to the extreme
she’s had about 10 jobs
two careers
three vocations —
Not unstable
she’s just able to maintain
her anthem belter is Frank Sinatra
and she does it her way.

I learned to do it my way
Cuz my heroes are to the extreme
they have the real thing
tell the real thing
Don’t fear human retribution
just divine input

Yes, they have the real thing
my heroes are to the extreme.

Copyright 1997 Rhonda Anderson

In 2009 I want to be someone’s hero because of my extreme commitment to Christ, what He wants me to do and be. When people see me I want them to see greatness because I seek God’s thing, not my own with an afterthought of His approval. I want to make 2009 great so that others will see my great works and glorify my God in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

So my commitment in 2009 is to be more flexible when things don’t go my way (See Out of Control post) and to submit more consistently to the authorities in my life even though God has given me power over all power of the enemy (Luke 10:19), and I can hear very well from God for myself. I want to show love to all people, not just black people, because of the love of Christ that flows through me. It is through Him that I live, move and have my being (Acts 17:28), and I must, and plan to, do what He wants me to do.

What is your commitment in 2009? Please comment about your 2009 goals, especially those that focus on what God wants for you and not only what you want. And Happy New Year!

Copyright 2008 By Rhonda J. Smith

The definitions are coming in. Please keep sending them. In the meantime, tell me what you think of the definitions listed below. Would you call yourself a strong black woman based on these definitions? Why or why not? Also check out http://thenewblackmagazine.com/view.aspx?index=50 and let me know what you think.

The term Strong Black Woman is often used to define the woman who can handle it all.–Cece

My definition of a strong black woman is a woman who has a strong identity in terms of race and gender. Additionally, she has high standards, not easily discouraged, resilient and able to persevere.–Marla

I believe a strong black woman is one who knows, accepts and appreciates who she is — emotional, opinionated, deeply compassionate, a deep lover of God and mankind and ever so sensitive. A nuturer and helper. Aware of how society and even her own race views her and able to remain true to herself, her family, history and ancestors. She is a supporter, encourager and a fighter. Knows that she has to keep getting up and knows that it is God who lifts her.–Paula

I began this blog with some thoughts on whom the strong black woman could be. I questioned whether I myself was one. Some of you in your responses classified yourself and family members as strong black women. Others of you said you thought she was overrated and had even shifted your thinking about who she is or should be. What I want from you now are clear definitions of the term strong black woman. What does it mean to be strong? Is the strength of a black woman different from women of other races? If so, define how? I think many of us, including myself, have been guilty of using the term strong black woman without having a clear definition in mind when we use it; I believe we also fail to think about the implications (good or bad) of using such a term. I’m so interested in your responses. I look to hear from you soon.

Copyright 2008 By Rhonda J. Smith