Blessings for Hadassah

Blessings for Hadassah

May you never forget the ones who raised you in an isolating world. May you always remember that you can be yourself in your birth city. Even when hiding your heritage in order to be accepted presses your mind, may you know that people will always be checking in on you and reminding you of your beautiful heritage. May you never be tempted to pass. May you not simply be known as a myrtle tree or a star, but as both. May you know that God’s beautiful names for you reflect on your multi-layered identity through many seasons of growth. In places haunted and controlled by leaders blinded by supremacy, may you find a safe space amongst get those who can see you, hear you and respect you. When your race and faith are weeping and wailing because of oppression, may your heart be one of love and distress as you seek to be a consoler. May you acknowledge the power of your privilege.

May you acknowledge the beauty of your heritage. May you use your privilege and heritage to be a voice for the voiceless. And when you are terrified of the evils that you face, cry out to Jehovah Jireh. May your internal and external communities rally up behind you and pray for you. May three prayers strengthen you as you pursue justice. May you be filled with wisdom and peace as you initiate the pursuit. And when you expose injustice to higher powers, may you expose it in the way that you’re most comfortable. No one can fight like you. May you know that it is ok to break down and cry as you fight. May the hard hearts of the higher powers soften, and May their eyes see supremacy that oppressed others. May this fuel them with rage against the system, and may they give you sufficient support to fight. May you have a season of success in your battles. May those who oppressed your faith and religion be put to shame.

May the empire pause and see the power of righteousness and justice that you possess. May no one forget your work. May you be celebrated for generations to come. May you always be known as a Myrtle and a star.

Medomfo Owusu

Illustration by Bijou Forget

Prose