My name is Shakera. I was born in a system that kills youths like my self as soon as they leave high school. We are trained and educated to die in search of success and a job that don't even exist. I chose salvation over death...I chose Jesus. I am a flawed person. A brook with many stones, a clear blue sky with many blackbirds. I have many shortcomings. A rainbow that’s not long enough, a starry night with clouds. But I can only be thankful to the God who loves me just this way, and I can only be grateful to the people in my life who accept the clear blue sky with many blackbirds and who are patient with the rainbow that isn’t long enough. And because of this, I am taught love, because of this I love my God, and I love these people.”
