"Here's to the bridge-builders, the hand-holders, the light-bringers, those extraordinary souls wrapped in ordinary lives who quietly weave threads of humanity into an inhumane world. They are the unsung heroes in a world at war with itself. They are the whisperers of hope that peace is possible. Look for them in this present darkness. Light your candle with their flame. And then go. Build bridges. Hold hands. Bring light to a dark and desperate world. Be the hero you are looking for. Peace is possible. It begins with us." —L.R. Knost
In the United States, we recently honored women leaders during Women’s History Month. It is an annual celebration of the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia and during October in Canada. It is appropriate that we acknowledge the contributions of women leaders who paved the road for women in all walks of life.
It is my belief, however, that it is us – the ordinary mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, grandmothers – that make the most difference in our world, or have the capacity to do that. This is a reminder that YOU make a difference!
What Characteristics Do Women Possess?
When I google “the characteristics of women,” among others, the results include empathy, tenderness, humility, vulnerability, love, kindness, compassion, and healing. I think we can also include boldness, strength, stability, forgiveness, common sense, and intelligence.
Angelina was my maternal grandmother. Her family called her Lena. Together, she and my grandfather, Henry (Hank), owned several farms in Iowa. Lena and Hank raised four girls. My mother, Pearl, was the youngest and was designated the “outdoor” girl to help her dad with farm chores. Her sisters focused on housework, cooking, etc. – the “indoor” chores.
The stories I have heard about Lena reflect a loving and caring person, but one who was not afraid to stand her ground if the situation was warranted. For example, my mother was dating a young man that my grandfather did not like. The young man died in an accident and my mother mourned deeply. My grandfather, who could be quite stern, did not want my mother to attend the funeral. Lena put her foot down, and she and my mother attended the funeral.
I did not know my only brother, Arthur, who was born after the family moved to Iowa from Arizona. Arthur had cerebral palsy, and his short, two-year life had a dramatic impact on my family. Pictures of him reflect curly blond hair and the most beautiful smile.
Unfortunately, his life was filled with a great deal of pain and often he could not be comforted. That was especially hard on my mother. Of course, my older sisters and my father took turns with care giving, but my mother shouldered the burden. Not only was Arthur ill, but also Lena, my maternal grandmother. Lena died of cancer about a year before Arthur. How filled with sadness those years must have been for Mom! Yet she persevered.
What I remember most about my mother is how loved she made me feel! That tells me that she had great role models. Mom died when I was in my 30s but I think of her every single day.
These women were not perfect. None of us are. What we choose to remember either makes us better people or takes us down a dark path. It is our choice. In either case, and I hope you choose the former, we learn from their example.
What Can We Do?
Look around you. Is there someone in pain – physical or mental? To a degree, we all are! Is there someone who needs a friend who is willing to listen? We could use more listeners! So often we are quick to judge or espouse our view, and I am as guilty as anyone else. Perhaps if we slowed down, listened, and shared with an open mind, we would find that there are common threads.
In the end, we may agree to disagree, and that is not bad. We have built a bridge. Just the effort to hear and understand brings civility to a world where it is sadly lacking. “Build bridges. Hold hands. Bring light to a dark and desperate world.”
Reflection Questions:
Who were your role models or mentors? What lessons did you learn from them? How would you like to change the world? How can you use your talents to make a difference?
