International Women's Day

a few scattered thoughts on this important day...

first, i'm so incredibly thankful for the amazing women in my life who overcame certain odds to raise me/us well. my mom and the mom of the man i gave my heart to.  beautiful ladies who did ordinary and extraordinary things each and every day to show up for their families and create a "home" and stability for their children.  it's such a monumental role they filled as our moms, and we live each day directly benefiting (even still!) from their efforts...we are so grateful and blessed.  

second, i'm thinking of the brave and resilient women in Ukraine tonight.  they so intentionally and purposefully choose to arm themselves with courage, daily, in front of their children and families. they find so many unique, creative and essential ways to support the cause of freedom, all while the relentless drain of war presses in crushingly heavy...their fierce determination to carry on is nothing short of remarkable.  God help them, i pray...

lastly, a quote from Foster the Family that i absolutely love...here it is...

"I reject the caricatured picture of a strong woman. The common conception—or misconception—of strength: a woman who always speaks her mind and prioritizes herself and pursues her interests above everything else. Making money, kicking butt, taking names, and knocking down anyone who gets in the way.

The vision of strength I value is different. Counter to this cliché. Countercultural. Counterintuitive. The strength I value lies in a life lived for others. Pursuing your dreams, speaking your mind, winning for your own good? Anyone can do that. The strong women I look to, they do hard things—for others—with very little benefit to themselves."