Sadeqa Johnson > Quotes

“And this trip downtown had shown me that we even had to fight for what should have been free: our dignity.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, The House of Eve

“To survive this, I could not let my mind succumb to the misery that threatened to strangle me.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“We all have energy and when our energy aligns with what we are intending, we receive it.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, And Then There Was Me

“Who could whip a woman until she lost her child? Only a monster.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“I did not know if I should be relieved by the gentleman’s kindness or frightened to death.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you didn’t know —William Wilberforce”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“kept my despair quiet, close to my heart.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“I would like to see her up close,” a large man called from the back. “Very well. Step down and follow the gentleman.” Matilda stepped off the platform with her dress still in her hand. She caught my eye before following the man into the side room. My heart sank. She had just lost a baby, reconnected with her husband, and was now being taken advantage of by a stranger, for no other reason than that it was his right, and she had none.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“nodded, then noticed his eyes take in her slim waist and rounded hips. July’s hair was so thick and long that I implored her to keep it wrapped, but she was young and busy, and often forgot. I feared for her, and tucked her away with the children as much as possible. Beauty was a curse for a slave girl.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“a grateful heart served as a magnet for miracles,”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“I turned my fork over on my plate wondering why it was always my responsibility to worry over what grown men might be thinking.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, The House of Eve

“We cannot educate these niggers, lest they forget who the master is. Guessing that is what happened to you.” He stroked my cheek. I tried not to flinch. Then he had his hand around my neck and was crushing his lips into mine. I could feel his manhood”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“Knowing about racism and being abused by its wrath were two different things.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, The House of Eve

“Eleanor’s own mother had always told her that it was important for women to have a separate stash set aside in case of a rainy day.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, The House of Eve

“Oliver Twist, my friend deep into the night, helped me to cope.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“Mama always said the way to keep peace with white folks was to be available and invisible at the same time.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“Stay poor like the rest of us, or climb, scratch and claw like hell to get out.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, The House of Eve

“In my sorrows, Lord walk with me In my sorrows, Lord walk with me When my heart is aching, Lord walk with me.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“The way to a healthy marriage is to hold on to those pieces that make you you.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, The House of Eve

“This here is a black walnut tree. Grow deep in the woods, so you gotta know where to look. Cure for most everything. Ever unsure, come seek this tree.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“She reached for the notebook she kept in her purse. Bea found the page and read to calm and steady herself.

1. See yourself as beautiful. Flowering and giving life to the earth. This baby can’t do it without you. You are important.
2. Food is your fuel. You need it in your body. It’s your sustenance.
3. When you feel overwhelmed go for a walk, write down your feelings, or play your favorite songs.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, And Then There Was Me

“A grateful heart served as a magnet for miracles.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“Warren was the first man who pried her open without permission, kissed away her shame, and dismissed that which she deemed ugly. The connection between them was fierce, and she felt revered by his attention and care.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Love in a Carry-on Bag

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled and be not afraid.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“Trust me, Bea, you are on your way. It’s about acknowledging where you are and knowing that you are okay. The universe has your back and so do I.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, And Then There Was Me

“Can’t let nobody steal your joy, sweetness, or you gon’ live a miserable life.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, The House of Eve

“Whenever I started feeling as if I could endure this place, there was always a reminder that I could not.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you didn’t know”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Yellow Wife

“Preston doesn't do well with trouble. But that's why I'm here. That's why my name is Mommy.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, Second House from the Corner

“Her serenity journal was in her purse and she rummaged through until she found it. On the front page she had taped sentences to restore her in moments like this. You are capable of living this new healthy life. Don’t torture yourself because you’ve made a mistake. Forgive yourself. Love yourself. You are enough.”
― Sadeqa Johnson, And Then There Was Me