An Open Invitation
Womanhood is a sanctuary. It is stillness, sensitivity, sacredness, safety and everything that makes a woman fit to incubate a seed- a vision, a purpose, a life. It is a melody of quiet strength, an echo of wisdom for the now and after, and the perfect blend of fire and water. Fierce enough to break barriers but gentle enough to be a soothing balm. It is the ink that writes history, in oftentimes subtle and invisible ways yet invaluable and consistent measures.
Women are born but womanhood is earned- through seasons of successfully navigating this complex called life and wearing the badges of honor in the form of scars, healed or unhealed. Transitions, a word too familiar in the dictionary of a woman. Married or unmarried, literate or illiterate, black or white, we can all relate to the constant changes that make life more unpredictable for a Woman- biological changes, societal expectations, emotional growth, cultural shifts, health and well-being, economic and financial realities. Our pains and plagues aren’t far fetched. They come from within and way too often, amongst us. However, if we aren’t sensitive to define them for what they are, we might miss them as our opportunities to evolve into better and better cornerstones fit for God’s use.
Oblivious of these realities, the world has always and will continue to assess our worth by ephemeral attributes and so, rate our contributions to the planet on such fickle terms. But we can change these narratives by telling our stories ourselves, by creating spaces that allow us to just be, to share and relate, to gain back our power in all the ways that society often takes from us. It is only by taking matters into our own hands and accountability for ourselves and those in our custody that we can see the needed change and support we desire.
Throughout history, we have always been surrounded by women of value and virtue. We can see the path we stand on today because those who went before us took it upon themselves to spread the torch further. Now, the onus is on us to pay it froward, even though we never get to enjoy the dividends of the new victories. The promise of a better future for our children, our daughters is satisfaction enough. Our journeys are not just for ourselves. Whether we are mentoring a young girl, supporting a fellow woman or simply being an example of grace under pressure, we are paving the way for others to rise.
Let us rise, together. The weight of the mandate is lighter when we help one another carry it. Let us be women who lead with courage, live with purpose and love with open hearts. There is space for everyone in the circle. And that includes you, if you’re willing to step into the journey.
