A World-wind of Wonderful Women

A month dedicated to the history of women; although – with our lives, we celebrate the women who sacrificed for us every day. We don’t all have our names in bright lights or hold important political positions, or are considered trailblazers for humanity – but we are wonderful in our own light.

In last month’s post, “It’s In There,” I wrote about the importance of “being” over the busyness of “doing.” About how setting boundaries, taking good care of ourselves, and opening our hearts, to receive God’s love. This month’s spotlight focuses on how we display our wonderful woman banner!

It is vital that we keep our lights shinning, regardless of the turmoil that may be looming around us. True, there’s an era of change that has captured our world. These recent changes require all of us to adopt solid principles during the transitions related to pandemic’s elements. Let’s consider any turmoil we may face (good, bad, and in between) as nuggets that create transformations. Transformations are where lights learn to shine brighter and turmoil takes a back seat.

Growing up there wasn’t too much thought on my part about women outside of my family and community. I remember during the beginning of my high-school years, Dr. Maya Angelou’s book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” (1969) was published. During that time, it was considered controversial, with portrayals of violence, racism, sexuality, childhood rape, and teen pregnancy. Then, at the beginning of my college years, Helen Reddy’s song “I Am Woman” (1971) hit the music charts. She sang about wisdom born of pain, being strong and invincible…I am woman hear me roar, in numbers too big to ignore! Barbara Walters spoke at my college graduation (1975). My eyes were glazed as she spoke about women being well able to create change in the world of business, politics, careers, and entrepreneur endeavors. There was no mention of marriage, babies, and home economics. 

Having mentioned these memories from my past, I have to recognize the many thoughts affected by history.  Today, looking at how far women have come over the plights in history, that wind of wonderfulness blows fresh against our faces. Awareness is key, because within it seeps the mist of possibilities, regardless of the questions that are still raised about women’s inequality.

Let this be the year for more women to invest their time, energy, and faith into living their best lives. We have choices to make, big and small – everything from living solo or with a partner, negotiating a salary, managing remote learning/business meetings, to buying a first home. Whether it’s climbing the ladder, taking a chance with a startup business idea that’s been brewing, or heading back to school, our women ancestors provide ample inspiration and motivation to take a leap of faith.

 

As we proceed, we cannot allow today’s society and media to influence our view of what a woman should be. There are no perfect employees, business owners, wives, moms, great house makers, smarter, stronger, and successful women – who have it all together all the time. Our light must shine from within, God-given and manifested through faith, hope, and love.

You and I have many life lessons to consider – those to broaden our own horizons and those to impact the next generations. 

From Dr. Maya Angelou’s enduring legacy of resilience:

  • Define yourself. Refuse to be defined or limited by the past.
  • Raise your voice. Release the song that is in your soul.
  • Treat people well. People may forget what you said but always remember how you made them feel.
  • Never give up on your dreams. Dreams give life oxygen and know no limits of time.
  • Keep living. Simply keep going, be willing to begin again and love your life.

From First Lady Michelle Obama (2016), a speech to graduates on the top ten rules for success:

  • Keep moving forward
  • Be authentic
  • Work hard
  • Don’t be afraid to fail
  • Choose your own path
  • Earn success
  • Take your role seriously
  • Enjoy balance (who you are and what you do)
  • Do what is hard
  • Have fun (make some honey to put in your lemonade)

From Essentials For Change – Be blessed as you shine your light, wonderful woman:

The Lord bless you with plenty, in every circumstance with answered prayers.

The Lord keep you, in safety, by His faithfulness that will never fail you.

The Lord make His face shine upon you, that you may be aware of His glorious presence and respond in worship.

The Lord be gracious to you, that you may live in that assurance and extend it to others.

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace in His presence, unlike what the world gives. (Numbers 6:24-26) ~Highlights-Barbour Publishings, Inc. 2018

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