Today is International Women's Day, and I am reminded of strong women in my life. My childhood didn't look at all like my boys' do, and for that I am thankful. However, I am also appreciative to have had my life- all the years of it. I know that it is through trials, mistakes, and tough times that you learn how strong you are. When you don't have to struggle, you don't know how much you can take.
My Momma has struggled, been knocked down, and worked hard for much of her life. She is STRONG. If a stranger asked, she'd respond that her life has been wonderful. That's my Momma. She wouldn't say that in a way meant to keep someone out of her business (She's never had a problem sharing anything about herself.), but I believe it's because she recognizes that even when things were dim, at least there was still a light! She has an appreciation for how she's come out of those times and been made into a better person. She's thankful for each day, each wake up, each SMALL thing in life. She is aware that a good life is made of lots of little things.
My sister, Sharmane, is STRONG. She has been selfless since the age of 12- even when really didn't want to be. Her heart has an abnormal capacity for love, and she loves like a waterfall. She is fiercely protective of family and framily, and she balances being open and gracious with being cautious and pragmatic like a pro. Her life has also had its fill of drama, pain, heartache, and conflict, but she, too, claims those with respect. She knows that she is the amazing woman today because of them. 12 year old Shar paved the way for the one in her 40's. The strength I've seen from her all of my life has left me in awe.
The kind of strong I feel immediately when I think of my best friend, Amy, is in FAITH. My goodness, she has taught me so much in the last 10 years. She taught me how to be a better friend. She is ALWAYS thinking of others, how to help, how to come alongside, how to alleviate a need, and how to listen or give her time. She helped me to get out of a self focus with my family and look around to the world outside my home. It helped me change my thinking from "I don't have time for that" to "I'll make time for that." She is the kind of woman who makes you feel stronger just being in her presence.
My sister, Tracy, has untapped her strength in the past few years, and the change in her is astounding. She is confident. Her faith is on firm footing, and that kind of strength will transform your thoughts and beliefs about yourself and the world. She balances life, work, self and family like a boss. She is strong and getting stronger every day!
My friend, Amy, got me a shirt, "Strong is the new Skinny," to match hers. :) Strong is the new skinny, the new helpless, the new damsel in distress, the new frail, and the new airhead. I have so many other women in my life who I admire, respect and learn from, and that is an enormous blessing. I am not held to my house all day. My thoughts and opinions are heard and not punished. In America, women have choices. Today, I feel gratitude that I can be the woman I choose to be each day, and I'm confused and sad that around the world so many women cannot.... STILL.... in 2016. So, ladies, be your awesome selves for all of those who cannot. For the women caught in fighting, in poverty, labelled outcasts, treated like property, abused, muted, shamed, judged less than another, and feeling brown when they are glittering rainbows inside.
