I am an icon

Was I a woman

when the king called my name?

Did I choose my place

among the community of women?

Or does the soul have a name of its own?

My giving does not change,

my conviction never fades,

and my belief that I am an icon

never comes to an end.

The difference between what we live

and what we believe

is that we create change

when we believe in ourselves

and strive for transformation.

And along our journey,

we take with us everyone who needs

help, assistance, and support.

Support takes many forms—

from a smile,

to a kind word,

to advice and guidance,

then to financial assistance,

and to simply standing beside someone

through personal, family, or other difficulties.

We are one tree,

with one root,

and many branches.