The women featured in the posts within this meme do not necessarily share my political/spiritual/life views, but all our opinions and feelings are valid. More importantly, we need to support each other instead of participating the ongoing inner turmoil of our gender. Doing so only perpetuates the demeaning images of women and minimalization so heavily mediated to young people today. We must acknowledge each other's worth if we expect and demand the same from society. If only girls, as well as boys, were shown more ways to respect others and themselves in the process. But that's another story.
An amazing woman I know has lived an exciting life. We met while working in the same office at a large university. My friend, Kristin, was one of the few people who made me feel welcome and confident in that new environment where women weren't so supportive of each other. It was hard to know whom to trust, and that was only the beginning of my awakening in a big city. Here was a woman who seemed to have it all together at such a young age. She had (and has) such a good nature that students, co-workers and generally anyone she met was drawn to her. With her help, I was able to open my mind to much more than my small-town upbringing had manifested by then. She and I worked hard to get it all together with each other's urging.
She is now raising two young boys who will no doubt follow their parent's example of a couple who walks what they talk. They encourage other couples do the same. I was honored to be in Kristin and Dave's wedding party and have never seen a happier, more beautiful bride than on that day. She is strong in her faith and lives it every day. I know a lot of her strength comes from within, though, which I've always admired.
My friend went through a lot on her way to get where she is, and she deserves many kudos. She speaks her mind but never makes a claim she can't back up. We've seen each other through some stuff, let me tell ya, but also had lots of fun! Two lounge chairs at Bicycle Club's pool stand deprived of our deep discussions in the sun there. I miss living near Kristin and getting to spend time with her. We could always stir up some drama if there was none to be had. I'm just mad she's disabled her Facebook profile with pictures to steal for this post! But she might also be mad if I scanned the old one of us as Brady sisters ... oh, Marsha, Marsha, Marsha.
Through these weekly posts I encourage women to recognize someone important in their life by acknowledging her worth and letting her know how you feel. It can mean a lot to say just a little. I want to "walk my talk," too. With that, I say thanks to Kristin who I love like a sister and whose friendship I treasure.
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