Analysis of I did not know my strength

I did not know my strength
until I learned:
to choose peace over war
to choose forgiveness over revenge
to choose kindness over bitterness
to choose acceptance over intolerance
To choose inaction over reaction

I did not know my strength
until I learned:
to choose love over pain
to choose love over rage
to 'accept the apologies I'll never receive'
To choose compassion over self-pity
to choose self love over self hate
To choose self creation over self  destruction

I did not know my strength
until I learned
to let God decide
on justice
to let God decide
on execution or exultation

I know
that by doing so,
I have changed the course of my destiny
I have changed the karma of my ancestors
I have changed the karma of my child
I have changed the future of my descendants
I did not know my strength.

I, have changed.
I, can feel the difference in me.
Now
I see my power.

A poem by Angelique Isaiah-Ishak