The month is almost over but in case you didn’t know, March is Women’s History Month.
While I may come across as a staunch feminist every now and then (okay, most of the time), those of you of the male species, please know that I love you. I do. And I’m grateful for you. I am.
WITH THAT OUT OF THE WAY…
I promise not to go on a rant about how women historically have consistently gotten the short end of the stick.
I’ll refrain from talking about the old and tired yet still unresolved saga of the struggles of women in the home, in the workplace, in politics, in the media, and in the church (yes, the church).
I won’t breathe a word about how women are marginalized by poverty and violence in many developed and developing countries today, or how unacceptable it is that this fact persists generation after generation.
BECAUSE…
This post is simply an appeal. An appeal to all of us to take a moment to honor a special woman or girl in our lives. In your life.
IMAGINE…
Without women, there would be no Dixie Chicks, Spice Girls, The Bangles and The Go-Go’s.
Without women, would there be children? Babies? Births?
Without women, there would be no Charlie’s Angels or Gilmore Girls.
Without women, would there be the fabled feminine touch?
Without women, there would be no grandmothers or grandchildren.
Without women, would there be dresses made from diaphanous flowing fabrics perfect in the springtime?
Without women, would there be strappy heels? Silky, lacy lingerie?
Without women, what would Nicholas Kristof write about? And who would he write it with?
Without women, there would be no husbands and ex-husbands (in most of the U.S. except Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C.).
Without women, there would be no Mother Teresa. Mother Nature. Mother Earth.
Without women, where would we be? You and me?
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Is there a woman or girl you’d like to honor during Women’s History Month? Comments of any kind, vibe or length always welcome. Let’s discuss!
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You don’t have to be anti-man to be pro-woman. ~ Jane Galvin Lewis
Image by angela7dreams
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I noticed that you included a lady in a wheelchair in your pics. It makes my heart so glad to see that. Thank you! Although I need a wheelchair to get around in, it is most certainly NOT what defines me as a woman.
The most important woman in my life is my mother. She has loved me unconditionally throughout my life. Although I know it must break her heart to see her only daughter now living as a quadriplegic, she has never tried to step in and take over my life. Instead, she has had the grace to support me every step of the way that allows me to live a full, meaningful, independent life. She is not rich or famous. She is just my MOM but she is the most powerful woman I know.
Belinda,
I have three older, wonderful sisters and an amazing mother. I’ve been blessed with amazing women in my life. My grandmother was another amazing women. My godmother, who is 92 and in the hospital, continues to astonish us with her strength of spirit. So I agree with your sentiments, and I’m grateful for these women.
We’ll have to a have theological discussion about the Church issue. While I agree that women have been treated poorly in the Church in different times and places, there are theological reasons for a male priesthood for example. Sorry…don’t want to make this post too theological.
Bottom line: my life has been, and continues to be, greatly blessed because of amazing women.
Thanks for a thoughtful post.
Peace!
My sister is a strong, compassionate and calm woman. She is a woman I count on and who accepts me for who I am. I am lucky to have her in my life. Thanks for the reminder.
Belinda, I had no idea that March was Women’s History Month! Thank you for educating me, and thank you for sharing that wonderful collage as well. Inspiring!
There are three women I’d like to honour here.
My wonderful Cassy is the first. She is proof that good things come in small packages. Her smile warms through to the middle of me. Her eyes crinkle with mirth. Her mind moves quicker than mine. The words from her mouth are mischievous, sometimes frustrating, yet always loving. Cassy is both familiar and mysterious. And she gives the best hugs of anyone I know. She chose me when there was every reason not to. For her I will always be grateful.
Alela Diane is the second. Look up idiosyncratic in the dictionary and there you’ll see a description of her voice. But of course a mere description could not do justice to that voice. You would have to visit her at http://www.aleladiane.com to really appreciate it. Her songs are quirky, soulful, and brimming with a beguiling strangeness that one doesn’t happen upon all that often. Hers is a positive contribution in a world that sometimes makes a depressing kind of sense.
Last but not least is Joan of Arc, or The Maid of Orléans as I prefer to call her. She was burned at the stake when she was nineteen, but before that she managed to overcome the dismissiveness of veteran soldiers in the French army, led them to victory against the English during the Hundred Years’ War, and ultimately had an indirect hand in the coronation of Charles VII. Folks thought she was crazy because she claimed to have had visions from God. Visions or no, she must have been one extraordinary woman to have done all she did at that time in history.
Three amazing women, and I’m fortunate enough to have known one of them. One out of three is an embarrassment of riches, isn’t it? I’m a rich man indeed.
Hey Belinda, very glad you still love us blokes too! I will definitely honor and remember all the women who touched my life and the lives of others that I know of.
I didn’t even know it was Womens month. I was away in india with my mum in hospital and it was mothers day too.
For as long as I’ve been alive my family has been a matriarchy. The tides have finally shifted a bit, no doubt in part because I have three sons, but I still feel that it is the women that hold us up and hold us together. As families, as a community.
I can’t imagine a world without women. Without the women I love and admire. Without a woman’s perspective. And I would never ever want to imagine it.
Great post.
Hi Belinda,
I did not know that March was Women History month! Thank you for sharing that info with all of us.
A world without women would be quite a dull place.
It is my hope that more and more women will recognize the inherent power that comes with being a female and use it to better the world as opposed to trying to be more like men. Women rock and I am happy to be a female! Woo hoo!
Hi Belinda,
I truly love your posts. Sometimes realizing the lack of humanity that still exists saddens me. And then I turn my attention to the beauty. In this case, the beauty of women.
I have been blessed with remarkable women friends. Strong, giving, wise, beautiful. I could go on and on listing their qualities.
I am astounded that I get to break bread, play, laugh and cry, with these wonderful women. And, not least, to go hang in the bathroom together when we are out and about! Bonding at its best and perhaps my favorite part of being a woman! ;-p
It all started with my grandmother Lucia. I grew up with her much of the time. Playful, sweet, witty, eccentric, giving, funny, a heart of gold. That was Lucia. My best friend.
A beautiful toast you raise to women, Belinda. My glass is filled just by coming here and reading, and I’m sipping champagne (or whatever your beverage of choice) with you and everyone else. And I’m remembering two women in particular today, my mother and grandmother. My mother was a feminist long before there was such a word, and all her adult life (which ended far too soon) she worked to support her family, breaking barriers and glass ceilings in a male-dominated field. But she never held a grudge against men, even though she was a single mom for most of my childhood. In fact, she adored men! And my Grandmother had the spunk to tell her husband, in the 1920’s, that she didn’t like the patriarchal family/town (in Idaho) he had taken her to live in after they married. The story goes that she said, “I’m going back to California. I hope you’ll come with me.” He did. She was a nurturing, amazing woman, took care of me while my mom was out working.
Here’s to women!
This is the ultimate feel-good post. It makes me smile to think about the great women in my life.
I’m very close to my Grandma, who is now 90 and still lives in her farmhouse. She taught me how to embroider, bake, give speeches, properly iron dress shirts… She was a big factor in my childhood.
I only knew my mother-in-law for a few years before she passed away, but I’m so glad to have know her and to be able to joke and remember happy times with my husband. “Remember when mom would wake everyone up at 7:00 am because she couldn’t wait any longer to vacuum?!”
And I just love all my husband’s family because it is full of “strong women” – and it’s such a compliment when my father-in-law says I fit right in. We are women who don’t let our husbands get away with anything. We have informed opinions and aren’t afraid to share them. We are involved and concerned with society, and determined to use our talents and energies to make the world better.
Belinda,
This is good post for women history month. My biggest female idol is my mom. She is a writer, poetess, home maker, office worker, totally giving person and mom to 3 independent and opinionated kids! We all have some one like that.
Hi Belinda,
I also didn’t know that March is Women’s History Month. But thanks for letting me know. And I love the 36 pictures of women at the beginning of the post.
Here is a list of some of the many women I’m grateful for:
My Mom – For everything
My Grandmother – For lots
My Aunts Laurie, Wendy, Joyce, and Marcia – For just being themselves and loving me exactly the way I am
My sister-in-law Becky – For being so good to my brother
My friend Mike’s wife Linda – For making me feel like part of their family
My friend Bobby’s Mom Linda – For making me feel like part of their family
My friend Bobby’s wife Ashley – For being so good to Bobby
My friend Judy – For being such a great boss when I lived in Chicago and an amazing friend ever since
Dr. Becky Brown – For being such an incredible veterinarian
Ayn Rand – For writing my two favorite books (The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged)
Hi Belinda,
I was unaware this was Womens History Month but glad you raised awareness. It’s hard for the Y chromosomes to identify with this issue so no need to defend yourself in your opening paragraph.
If you have a moment, please read my latest blog post, I think you will enjoy it.
Best to you,
Marc
Wonderful post, Belinda! I live near the Women’s Rights National Historic Park. While it is an hour plus away, I encourage every mother and their daughters to visit as it is a place so rich with history of why women are important. I also encourage men and sons but I do feel that a first trip is best shared by women.
HI Belinda,
I am a self proclaimed feminist..I am much like you..I love the males….But catch a women being mistreated..and I can fight with the world. I think that’s just me protecting my own species…Where would this world truly be without us women??hmm…
I loved this post Belinda….I love your writing….
Much Love,
Z~
Love this post. With out women we wouldn’t have mothers…that would be sad:(
Hooray for women!! I had no idea it is Women’s History Month!! Where in the world have I been?? Geez.
As for honoring? Many, many women have influenced my life. A few being ladies from my church, teachers, and especially college professors. I am grateful that I am a woman.
As for giving birth…apparently you do not have to be a woman to give birth! Ummmm actually, maybe you do. Or, you just have to have the organs? Or something. (Yes, I’m referring to the man (woman???) who gave birth. ) (And, yes, I am trying to be funny. In a sarcastic way.)
What a beautiful post celebrating women.
@Tracy, what a beautiful tribute to your mother. Regarding the photo, the credit goes to the photographer. Thank you for all that you do.
@Fr. Michael, wonderful to hear about the strong and amazing women in your life. As for theological reasons, or reasons in general, I think it’s healthy to re-evaluate them, especially those that are well-established, in our personal lives as well as in powerful institutions. Some things could use a little updating if inclusiveness is valued, no? Thank you for you, your friendship and your thoughts. All are always welcome here.
@Rudri, what a blessing your sister is. Thanks for sharing.
@Tony, I just love reading your description of these women. Especially about Cassy. I myself have a paradox of a partner, familiar and mysterious, in the best way possible. Thanks.
@Amit, great to see you again ’round these parts. Sending you and your mum warm thoughts. Take care.
@Sarah, welcome to The Halfway Point! What I love about having women lead is, in my experience at least, no one ever gets left behind. Each member gets assigned an important role and a feeling of cooperation naturally develops. Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you here again soon.
@Nadia, I so love the last paragraph of your comment. I keep going back to digging deep and finding that inner strength instead of mirroring men, I have a hopeful feeling that this is the direction in which we’re going. Thanks.
@Lauren, thank you! I’m so glad you mentioned crying with women. I think this is such a special gift — cleansing, freeing, bonding, and ultimately, inspiring. Cheers to the beauty of women and to your grandmother Lucia.
@Patty, thank you! Your mother and grandmother sound like my kind of women!
@Eva, so nice hearing about how close you are to your grandma. It’s such a special relationship especially since our time with them is typically so limited compared to others. And thank you for sharing about your in-laws. I, too, lucked out in a big way with mine.
@Zengirl, your mother sounds remarkable. Thanks for sharing.
@Greg, wow! I can’t help but smile as I read your list. I love how you honor the wives of your friends! Thanks for making me smile.
@Marc, I enjoyed your post. Thanks for stopping by.
@Nicki, I would love to go there! Binging it right now… Thanks.
@Zeenat, thank you! I am much like you, too. Much love to you.
@Tess, that would be terribly sad. Thanks.
@Amber, welcome to The Halfway Point and hooray! Yes, I do know what you’re talking about. Three children in three years, correct? Fascinating. Thanks for visiting and don’t be a stranger.
hi belinda,
how are you?
what about the MEN!!!(you can tell i’m jealous lol!!)
but thanks for reminding us once again about how important our mums, sisters, wives, aunties, grandmas, friends…….. are to us and how much difference they make in our lives
enjoy the rest of the weekend
The effect of the pictures alone is powerful. Like a patchwork of all of us, collectively, strong. Each part of a whole. Wonderful.
Hi Belinda,
What a wonderful post! I, for one, am so grateful for the women in my life. There are so many, who do so much, give so much, love so much. Today – I’ll focus on my mom, my wife, and my daughter – three women very close to me that have made such a wonderful impact on my life.
And, Belinda…to you, this month….thank you so much for being “you”, and for sharing here, and for shining your amazing light out into this world…
Thank you for honoring women. It is women like you that makes me feel proud to be a woman myself. Be blessed in your undertakings and have a good day!
Belinda, a wonderful post!
In the Indian culture I come from, women are perceived as goddesses and held in the highest esteem. Yet they are often subservient and dominated by men.
So a special month to appreciate women is extra special.
Thank you for bringing this to a wider audience.