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.