I remember standing there on stage in my new Christmas dress, trying not to cry as the church members smiled, nodded and murmured encouragement from the front row. 'Go 'head, baby.' 'Say it now, Luc.' 'Come on now, baby' But I couldn't remember, and to hide my deep humiliation, my embarassment, I became sullen, angry. 'I don' wanna.' And I stood there with my mouth poked out. It was a scandal This fresh young nobody baby standing in front of the Lord in His own house talking about what she don't want I could feel the disapproval pouring over my new dress. Then, like a great tidal wave from the ocean of God, my sanctified mother poured down the Baptist aisle, huge as love, her hand outstretched toward mine. 'Come on, baby,' she smiled, then turned to address the church 'She don't have to do nothing she don't want to do.' And I was at the same time empowered and made free....