In this book, I use the backdrop of the poem by Maya Angelou, "Phenomenal Woman" to explore topics that every woman can see themselves either struggling or thriving with. I, along with some other sisters, will attempt to encourage you with each line. I will attempt to do what the Phenom camps do and take an "already great woman" and make her feel greater. I will attempt to encourage that part of you that is not so sure about your natural tendencies and help you see you're on the right path. I will use my own pitfalls and detours to help you break some poor habits. I will challenge you in some areas of weakness. I will help you form some "Mind Muscle" memory around the truth that you are a woman - phenomenally - Phenomenal Woman - GURL That's U I believe everything we need is available in a little encouragement. I want reading this to boost your self-esteem. The knowledge of who you are in Christ and the ability to walk in all that entails is my goal for every one of us. Each of the four stanzas hit various areas of strength we possess as women. Some of them teach us something about ourselves we want to improve; some of them highlight an area where we can celebrate success. As you read the book, I suggest you break it up in order to have time to fully receive the encouragement you deserve; time to embrace the empowerment you need and time to reflect on your own places of phenomenal. There are several places for you to make notes for your Phenomenal Self As women, I believe the sooner we understand the inside...the wonderfully and fearfully...the better. Anything great about you, anything great about me, was pre-planned by God. Before anyone knew who Dagne was; before anyone knew who you were - God had already laid out a plan and purpose for your life. He put the wonderfully and fearfully on the inside from day one. The moment that his impartation of the shine and your acceptance and embrace of the shine met is the moment when "phenomenal" took place. My goal in this book is to help you get to your phenomenal, but it starts with embracing your shine. No two are alike. Your SHINE is the -SPECIAL -HAPPENING -INSIDE -NOBODY -ELSE The moment we embrace IT, accept IT, and stop coveting the IT in some other woman, that's the day phenomenal takes place. Once that happens; once you get it; pay it forward and honor it in another sister Speaking of other sisters.... I asked several other Phenomenal Women to give me their take on this great poem to encourage others. Many of them told me reflecting on a line or two in the poem was therapeutic for them. I thank God for them since it's no way I could effectively encourage ALL women with this concept without reaching beyond my own narrow thoughts. Thank you to my sisters (check out their BIOs in the appendix) for reaching inside your SHINE, connecting with my SHINE, and together illuminating some much needed light in some areas of darkness. I and these powerful ladies are coming from our own stories and experiences as examples as they reveal themselves through the words of the poem. The let the truth of our lives and the truth of God's word reveal some things to you as you take this journey It is my prayer you find many truths to combat any lie that may be tearing you down right now Find your shine while reading this book Don't linger in those areas of discouragement. You have too much Special Happening Inside Nobody Else Phenomenal Woman, Gurl That's U