What's a Tapestry?

Folks keep asking me, what is a tapestry? The short answer is 'threads.' But why in the hell would I consider myself threads? I joke and call myself "threats" but never threads..lol. That would be weird, even for me..lol... Let me catch you up. One day I was doing all things random, my signature style, and for some reason I ran across Maya Angelou's quote, “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color." The words tapestry jumped out at me.  I then looked up the definition and read: Tapestry is "Used in reference to an intricate combination of things or sequence of events." I felt like I finally found a word that describes me. You see, I am now at a place in my life where I not only appreciate my qualities but I've grown to accept my shortcomings as well. I've done things in my past that I might take to my grave out of shame BUT those things made me who I am today. Reflecting back on the definition,"Used in reference to an intricate combination of things or sequence of events." I am survivor of every type of abuse you can fathom. I was called ugly as a little girl by family members and as an adult by strangers. I've been through a lot BUT all those painful, intricate things, added resilience to my character. I grew up with scares on my face, and kids teased me for it. My mom couldn't afford braces and I was called crooked teeth. As a young adult I placed myself in life-threatening situations, acting impulsively and irresponsibly. I learned from all of my mistakes. Hell, I'm still learning. Then I went through a phase where I learned that corporate American will shove you around much like the streets. All of these diverse instances gave me a chance to grow. My insight was sharpened by every disappointment, every failure taught me to increase my faith in God. The scares on my face, legs, and in my heart didn't deter my ability to love. Today I love harder than ever. The devil wanted to break me down to my brake pads but GOD allowed me to endure. I had no choice but to trust it would get better and I always look to HIM for strength. All of my stories, lessons, tears and joys are my "threads." The bliss is just as important as the tribulations. My tears AND my smile make me. For the first time in my life I realize that all of it was meant to be. I no longer feel like I was cheated. I do the best with the cards God gave me and I'm not too proud to ask another for a hand. I had to learn to swallow my pride because it got me nowhere. Wanna waste some energy? Then get prideful. Pride will lead you to more destructive than you can imagine. I learned to stay away from the loudest person in the room. Attention isn't as important and making a difference. All that glitters isn't gold; it's usually counterfeit. I had a few fingers turn green from fake friendships- fools gold. But that's life, charge it to the game. My sequence of events are valuable. It's funny how you don't appreciate the storm until AFTER you grasp the lesson. I'm embracing my flaws. Trying to love without limits and willing to encourage others to learn from my childish mistakes.......#JesusSaves