Bird Dance

by Crystal L. Swain

The journey to loving oneself is not always easy. As an overweight African American woman who has struggled with low self esteem, low self worth, self hatred, feelings of rejection, hopelessness, suicide and always wanting to know why God allows or doesn't allow certain situations to happen, I have found a way to live my life, love my life, roll with the punches and become content without being complacent. My book title Bird Memoirs, Poetry and Prayers Making Love, is a nonfiction memoir packed with personal, religious and spiritual advice targeted toward youth and adults. It will help people to navigate through their trails and tribulations by my becoming transparent, vulnerable and honest enough to tell them that there is no magic solution. All we can do is live.My first book entitled Bird Dance has allowed me the chance to share my unedited hurts and joys with the world. It was more than a labor of love, it gave me freedom and the understanding that I am a writer with a story that is not so uncommon from my neighbors near and far. I have seen and experienced events that I thought only happened in the Bible which has opened my eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare. I've been in a one sided love affair where the other person never loved me back, (talk about heartbreak), but from that situation I learned how to love myself and how I deserve to be loved. Sadly, there are many who will never read the Lord's wisdom filled words nor embrace his lessons, but I have found that a good story, no matter the author, has the ability to transform thought and action. In fact, many of the greatest stories ever written used scripture as a basis for their plot. Just like many before me, I have dedicated my life to planting seeds of thought and worship through the art of storytelling.

158 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2013

About the author

I could go on and on about where I was born (Lynchburg, VA), which schools I attended (NSU and Regent University) and a host of other accolades that don't even really matter, but I won't because these things don't define who I am...

I am simply a woman who loves to write. If I never get rich or become known for my abilities I would still write because there is something in me that tells me that I must. Besides a few people actually enjoy what I produce from time to time.