

Kindhearted Kiera
What is your flaw? My weight and the shape of my body.
What are three phrases that have hurt you?
1. You look like a crack head.
2. You're nothing but skin and bones.
3. You're not black because you have no butt.
When I was younger, I would always get picked on for being too skinny. I was tall and lanky for my age. Kids called me a stick and said I had no butt. The thing that hurt the worst was being asked, "how are you supposed to be black and not have a butt? Black girls always have big butts." So I would always try to get tighter clothes that made me look more curvy.
Then I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease: a chronic stomach condition that makes hit hard to gain weight and very easy to lose. During a really bad flare up I dropped to from 125 lbs to109 lb, dangerous for a 5'5" teenager. It's been four years since that bad flare up and I still haven't gotten back to 125 lbs, but I'm the happiest with myself I've ever been. Though I'm still "skinny," I have more muscle mass and am overall more healthy. I now love my shape and my body. I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
"It's funny how people want to be different from everyone else but when they meet someone different they make fun of them"
Encouragement to others:
You aren't defined by any form of stereotype. God made you fearfully and wonderfully. Its a GREAT thing you don't look "normal" for a black, girl, white girl, blue girl, mermaid, whatever because you are unique and at the end of the day all that matters is that you are healthy and happy. You just be the best you you can possible be.

Beautiful Brianna
What is your flaw? Not knowing my inner strength
What three phrases have hurt you?
1. Trust me
2. I love you
3. Not good enough
Encouragement to others: Whether your storm!

Jazzy Jolie
What is your flaw? Nothing
Encouragement to other: No matter what a person tells you, it doesn't really matter. Just believe in what you think is true!
(Jolie brought a smile to my face and hope to my heart. The moment she said she didn't have any flaws just made me so happy. I wish that the world could have childlike views on issues such as these. You are enough no matter what. From the mouth of babes! And I love the words she added to her board! Power, peace, love, and pow. Enough Said! XOXO Brittany)

Joyous JoeAnn
What is your flaw? My stigmatic eye
What three phrases have hurt you?
1. You look weird.
2. What's wrong with your eye?
3. Ugly
Encouragement to others: You are beautiful, just way you are. There is no one like you. It's only one you!

Tremendous Trasheda
What is your flaw? My arms and dark circles
My Story: Throughout my life I have struggled with issues with my weight, my arms, and dark circles around my eyes. I can remember people would always say.....your sister is much smaller than you are and as a child that led to me wanting to be her size. This was an issue that often led to a battle when I went to purchase clothes....I often felt that the clothes were ugly or not the ones that I would chose if I was smaller. After years of struggling with this issue I began to learn to love myself regardless of outward imperfection that was pointed out by man. I was created by God for a plan and a purpose so despite any flaw or imperfection I have, am, and always will be perfect in his eyes. I feel that acceptance has to start within....the word is Self-Esteem sums it up. So we have to be come confident within our own selves before we can desire or expect someone else to see us differently! I want any and every female in the world to know that regardless of the things that may have been said or the things that maybe being said always be comfortable with who God made you to be....I refuse to accept or even listen to the negative comments or criticism from others because nine times out of ten they are uncomfortable or unhappy with themselves. We all need to hold our heads up high, wipe off the attack of the enemy, and know that we are created in his image. I AM ENOUGH....some may call it conceded but I call it CONFIDENT!!
I am truly loving this place I am in today....it didn't come over night, but after true commune with Christ and realizing that he makes no mistakes in the creation of his children I became at piece with myself. I have began a journey to better my health while putting forth the effort to contain my weight for myself and for the blessing that God gave me on July 17, 2012. This health kick and weight loss journey is all an effort to be a healthier person and decrease the health issues that are within my family genetics. I wake up daily and put forth the effort to better my health not for the likes of man but for my two year old daughter Trinity! I live out my life daily and make conscientious choices because of this little life that truly depends on me. She is my gift and blessing from above. I have begun to instill the qualities of an overcomer in her life each and everyday. I let her know daily that she is and always will be my princess. She was created with purpose and it was all a part of God's plan.