“I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever.” Amy Tan
Happy Monday!
And just like that . . . it’s winter again! Yikes! Lol!
I hope you had a great weekend despite the seasonal whiplash ~ if you’re in SoCal, that is. There was much to celebrate. Saturday, I expect the 4th was with you, and Sunday, with all the imbibing of margaritas, your Cinco de Mayo commemorations were appropriately and dutifully followed by celebratory foods. Elsewhere in the world, I hope you were able to rest and relax in preparation for the coming week.
As Mother’s Day is coming this weekend, I thought I’d switch it up a bit and focus on women’s unique strengths. Not everyone attempts to multitask family, work, and balanced social life, although I’ve seen many men who are gifted in ways that defy logic and keep all the proverbial plates spinning. But today, I’d like to commend those women who have found a way to keep their heads held high in spite of adversity and press into the tasks set before them with the express goal of succeeding when it seems that they probably shouldn’t.
Some are mothers, yes, and some are single. Some have an array of resources around them, and some find flying solo more to their liking. Many are sisters or sisters in spirit, and all have the gift of purpose to one degree or another that spurs them on in their quest for excellence. Some have a poetic ability to paint pictures with captured words:
One interesting aspect of falling stars is that they’re actually streaks of light from dust and rock debris that the Earth passes through and seem to originate from certain constellations at various times during the year. (https://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question12.html)
I think what makes it all especially interesting is that, in many instances, adversity, one might call it debris, is the precursor to light. Think about that for a minute. How many women do you know who have managed to create something extraordinary from their pain? Scripture refers to this as “beauty for ashes” (Isaiah 61:3 NKJV).
Maybe it was a teacher who could never have children but poured herself into her students with such passion that they felt more love and acceptance than they might have in their own homes. Or what about the female employer who had a distinct desire to empower her staff to such a degree that she trained them to replace her as she moved up the corporate ladder? She did this knowing that they may one day surpass her skills, but also cognizant of the fact that as she succeeded, she’d have good people she trusted to perpetuate her legacy.
Here are some quotes from women that I found particularly noteworthy:
“Women, whether subtly or vociferously, have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“Ignite the mind’s spark to rise the sun in you.” Florence Nightingale
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” Maya Angelou
“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it’s right.” Rosa Parks
“My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.” Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“Don’t mistake politeness for lack of strength.” Sonia Sotomayor
I wonder what you or some woman you respect has passed through that has left streaks of light where there would otherwise be only the debris of life. What has turned from ashes into a beautiful mosaic of a richly enigmatic life that is both mysterious and gratifying? I sincerely hope there are women in your life who cause you to pause and reflect on the uniqueness of their contribution and stimulate your desire to aspire to more in your own efforts.
Consider who you might honor this week, if not your mother. I hope there’s someone worthy of a phone call, special card, flowers, or a meal. Remember, stand-in and spiritual moms count, too!
Have a great week while leaving streaks of lights as a Falling Star!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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