I don't want flowers. I don't want
candy. I don't even want a card. On this 101st Anniversary of
International Women's Day, I don't want to be wined and dined just
because I am a special woman in your life. Save that for our
anniversary, or my birthday, or Just Because.
Don't honor me because I'm your Mom,
your wife, your girlfriend, your daughter or your sister. Don't
patronize me. I'm not a trophy who sits on your shelf nor am I a
prize to display.
I'm educated. I'm successful. I'm
empowered. In this world, at this time, I do the same work you do and
get paid less than half what you earn. My personal goals are
non-threatening to you.
I'd like to say I'm every woman. But we
all know that isn't true. Not all women can say they are educated.
Not all women can claim success. Not every woman is empowered. Being
female in any country, in any century is difficult, and sometimes
dangerous. Though many women have accomplished much, millions still
fight for their rights all over the world. Especially the right to
live a life of their choosing.
IWD is a celebration of sorts. It is a
day set aside to honor the accomplishments of various women. It is a
day written in calendars to celebrate World Peace, something we have
definitely not achieved yet. It is a day set aside to acknowledge the
advancement of women in all areas of their life.
I will be criticized for this
statement. I will be viewed as a political or religious activist. I
will be seen as hateful and one who spreads lies. Some will deem me
mentally unbalanced. Simply because my views do not line up with
theirs. But that's okay. I'm used to it. It wouldn't be the first
time I've been criticized for doing the right thing.
I'm a Christian woman who walks the
walk, not just talks the talk.
I'm a Christian woman who is not only
book-educated, but also self-educated.
I'm a Christian woman who is successful
by God's standards and not the world's.
I'm a Christian woman who is empowered
by the Holy Spirit to preach the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ to all
the world, not just my little piece of it.
I'm a Christian woman who is filled
with the Holy Ghost, Who gives me boldness to witness my faith in
Jesus Christ.
I"m a Christian woman who is blessed by the hand of God because I am faithful to Him.
I'm a Christian woman who blesses others because God has blessed me. My cup runneth over..into yours.
I'm a Christian woman who seeks to
change the world I live in, one person at a time.
Maybe this time that person is you.
