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.

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…

@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.

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.