**I Thought That I Was Strong**

I thought that I was strong, because I could lift myself back up. But the past kept pulling me back down.
I thought that I was strong, because I hadn't cried in days. But at night I fought back the tears before going to sleep.
I thought that I was strong, and I was ready to move on. But the struggles were there holding me back.
I thought that I was strong, because I wanted to be strong. But I was weaker than ever.
I thought that I was strong, but despite my many efforts I was proven wrong.
Then things began to change...
I thought that I was strong, because I had been lifted up, and the past had been erased.
I thought that I was strong, because the tears were finally gone, and I didn't have to fight them back.
I thought that I was strong, because I had moved on, and the struggles were forgiven.
I thought that I was strong, because I wanted to be strong. But I was still weaker than ever.
That's when I realized I wasn't strong. It was Him all along.

**AMANDA**