I remember sitting in the adequately comfortable chair near the back; I always sat by myself in those days and near the back with the new moms who needed to be able to sneak out at the slightest whimper from the mushy newborn clutched to her chest.

Our world is in complete disarray right now: war, trauma, child imprisonment, sickness, loss—all easily exacerbated by the constant hum of the news cycle available at our fingertips.

I walked into a hotel room full of women, women I did not know. Women I would be spending the next three days with. Women I would come to love like we were long-lost friends. Women I still cherish and support.

Erica Garner’s heart attacked her. A heart that mothered and sistered. A heart that fought tirelessly for her people.

Growing up in church, Proverbs 4:23 was quoted to me like it were a commandment. “Guard your heart” was chanted from pulpit to purity class.

The words have been bubbling over these last few days. Phrases as smooth as jazz. Thoughts as profound as Socrates. Words that have warmed my insides and turned my thoughts to you, my beloved readers, friends and sisters, over and over again.

I’ve never felt wanted.

“You are worthy of love and belonging." -Brené Brown

I quote this to women weekly, and I believe it for each and every one of you. I knowit is a true statement. And I have been working for a very long time to believe this statement to be true about myself.