Life as A Woman……….

Life as a woman is an interesting path. It often relies on hidden strength and dependence on others for the sake of dependence. What the heck does that mean? It means we often have to submit ourselves for the benefit of others. It doesn't mean that we must bow down, though sometimes we believe that to be. It  means, to me, to soften oneself around the edges so that peace can be accomplished when appropriate. We are told two things as girls growing up "Buck up and be strong as the boys" or "Do not offend by being weak." I believe that the truth of who we are is located somewhere in the middle. We are strong amazing people. We are intentional, leaders, followers, counselors, nourishers, menders, healers, listeners, examplers, unwavering, loyal, decorators of enviroment, caregivers, we are strength. Part of the beauty of our strength is our ability to be meek. (Notice weak was NOT mentioned.) We can reign in our worlds that we have created for ourselves (or others have) and survive and thrive. I hear stories of those who endurance at the hands of adults , while they in their youth, is absolutely incredible. How does one survive abuse, abandonment, disdain, complete disinterest by parent (s) and grow to be incredible women who create families and are the crutch their spouse leans on more then not? I have heard stories of parents post poning life threatening medical issues saying that the girl was lying for attention, that is until she almost died. A parent who left his family and young daughter at 14 for another women. Only to proclaim that he is miserable and should have never "went with her" but won't leave her! (Left daughter but not the nasty women he left his family for………how do you think this girl perceives her worth?)  I know a young woman who was named after a boy in disappointment that she wasn't…..if she had been a he then maybe the marriage would have been saved. And then there are those who grow into new families when they marry. They are told they aren't good enough. That the marriage won't last. That they transformed the sons of these women into men that "mamma" doesn't like. They are told that they are lacking in their motherhood skills, when that is all they strive to improve on. They struggle with creating a family situation that allows their children to partake of having grandparents despite the obvious dislike they have toward their daughter in laws! This women all bowed in meekness to their circumstances but they did not become weak or submissive or cruel or mean and they did not break. They all went on to create families with happy children and spouses who rely on their inner compass to guide the family. The strength of women is amazing. They endure, they create, they do! They are like a River (self serving) where it is quiet on the surface but ever moving below. I love women. You are the hidden strength. You are the one who create worlds that matter. You matter to  co-workers, to  friends, to  families, to  sisters, to  husbands, to neighbors. You matter. And guess what? It is okay to show your strength! Go and find yourself.