Shades of Strong® | From “Strong Black Woman” to Supported Black Woman

Shades of Strong® | From “Strong Black Woman” to Supported Black Woman


I Have To: The Quiet Exhaustion Behind Black Women’s Strength

January 19, 2026

Sometimes the support we need doesn’t come with a loud arrival or a clear answer. Sometimes, it shows up in the in-between. The pause. The waiting. The quiet moments where nothing feels certain — but you’re still held.

In today’s reflection, we explore what support can look like when you don’t have the words yet. When things feel unclear. When you’re sitting in the fog, trying not to force clarity. This is about honoring the space between prayers and answers, effort and outcome. The pause is not a void. It’s a form of support too.

Whether you’re resting, questioning, or just catching your breath, you’re not alone in that pause. This episode holds space for the Black woman who’s doing her best to trust what she can’t yet see — and still deserves to be supported right now.

Listen in and share this with someone who needs to know she doesn’t have to be “on” all the time to be worthy of support.

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Shirl is the creator of Support Languages™ and host of Shades of Strong® — a movement shifting the narrative from Strong Black Woman to Supported Black Woman™ through language, rest, and real support.