Editor’s note: I wrote a poem in honor of the Leading Ladies and attendees of the PreacherWoman 2017 retreat. Adapted from Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou, it was very well received. I pray it blesses you, too.

Unbelievers wonder where my power lies.

The source of my might

Is not obvious to their eyes,

But when I start to tell them

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my God’s arms,

How He carries me on His hips.

The stride of His omnipotent steps,

The wisdom from His lips.

I am His woman.

A Christian, you see.

I am a Christian Woman.

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as peaceful as you please

And to a man,

The unbeliever tries to take my peace from me

And bring me to my knees.

They poke and prod and signify,

Just a hive of jealous bees.

I say,

It’s the Holy Ghost fire in my eyes

And my testimony between my teeth

The eager lifting of my hands

And ready joy in my feet.

I am His woman

Can’t you see?

A Christian

I am a Christian Woman

That’s me.

Unbelievers themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner serenity.

When I try to show them

They say they still can’t see.

I say,

It’s in the mercies of my Father,

The renewing of my mind

Transformation proves His perfect will

Worldly conformity is not my kind

Because

I am His woman

Can’t you see?

A Christian

I am a Christian Woman

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head is high

I don’t have to boast or brag

Or make it a habit to lie.

When you see me passing

I am never ghetto loud.

I am a righteous woman

That ought to make you proud.

I say

Don’t you understand?

I am a chosen generation

Shouting His praises all over this land.

A royal priesthood, a holy nation,

His light within me you cannot ban

I am His woman

A Christian, you see.

I am a Christian Woman.

 

That’s me.