Black Women Have It Going On

Hello from Colorado, where the mountains remind me that beauty can exist in layers. Sometimes I can see every peak clearly; other times, smoke and haze hide the view. But whether I can see the mountains or not, I know they are still there. Sometimes I think faith works the same way.

Today is Tuesday, August 25, 2026, and my faith is permanently secured in Christ Jesus!

Yesterday, I introduced the idea of the “wooden nickel”—something that looks valuable but isn’t worth what we may believe it is. Today, I want to take that thought somewhere much more personal: identity.

I’ve spent years thinking about where I come from and what makes up my family history. As a Black American, I’ve never felt that one label could completely describe the complexity of my ancestry. My roots include West African ancestry, along with Spanish, French, German, Irish, Scottish, and Swedish ancestry.

And yes, my love for Ireland is very real!

My family history is a tapestry, not a single thread.

That is one reason genealogy has become so important to me. The more I learn about the people who came before me, the more I understand that identity can be complicated. Our histories can contain beauty, pain, unexpected connections, and unanswered questions. Sometimes the labels placed on us simply cannot capture the fullness of who we are.

But here’s what I’ve learned: I don’t want my value determined by a label someone else created.

I don’t want my history reduced to its most painful chapters, and I don’t want my future determined by what someone else thinks I’m capable of becoming.

My worth does not begin with a census record, a surname, a nationality, a racial label, or another person’s opinion of me.

My worth comes from God.

The world may try to place a price on us based on our appearance, education, income, family background, mistakes, or usefulness to others. But God doesn’t operate that way.

As a believer, I believe my ultimate worth was settled at the cross. I don’t have to earn it, negotiate for it, or prove it to anyone.

And neither do you.

So today, I want you to look beyond the labels and ask yourself:

Do I truly know what I’m worth, or have I allowed someone else to determine my value?

Because once you understand your worth, you become much harder to convince that a wooden nickel is payment enough.

Call to Action

Take a moment today and think about the labels you have carried throughout your life. Which ones have helped you understand yourself, and which ones have made you question your value?

Ask yourself honestly: Am I allowing someone else’s opinion, expectations, or treatment of me to determine what I believe I’m worth?

You don’t have to accept every label placed on you. Give yourself permission to see yourself through God’s eyes instead.

Scripture

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14 (KJV)

Prayer

Father, help me see myself through Your eyes instead of through the opinions and labels of others.

Remind me that my history does not diminish my value, my mistakes do not define me, and another person’s inability to recognize my worth does not make me less valuable.

Help me understand who I am, whose I am, and the purpose You have placed within me.

Give me the courage to release every label that does not belong to me and the wisdom to walk confidently in the identity You have given me.

Thank You for reminding me that my worth was never something I had to earn.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Spiritual Seal

Until tomorrow, remember this:

A label may describe something about you, but it does not determine your value.

You are more than your history, more than your circumstances, more than what you do for others, and more than anyone’s opinion of you.

Know who you are. Know whose you are. And never accept a wooden nickel in exchange for something God considers priceless.

I’ll see you tomorrow, right here from Colorado. ❤️