As a father of four daughters, as a husband, a brother, a friend, a son, a human, I am continually heartbroken by the abuses committed against women and girls.
These are often not the "routine" oppression that we all experience at times. No, these precious humans are so often perpetrated upon explicitly because of their gender.
Please reflect on this ode to the some of the strongest people I know.
The women I know solve problems.
The women I know give unconditionally, love without borders, and spread compassion.
The women I know wage wars for the defenseless, protect the marginalized, and give a voice to the voiceless.
The women I know lead vulnerably into unknown places where the rest of us lack the courage.
The women I know are builders, healers, teachers, explorers, inventors, and artists.
The women I know are keepers of ancient wisdom.
The women I know salvage treasures from rubbish.
The women I know have held me in my weakness, shown me what true strength is, and inspired me to be my best version.
The women I know embody the very concept of a beautiful soul.
The women I know have been underappreciated.
The women I know have been ignored when they should have been praised and scapegoated for problems that the rest of us created.
The women I know have been denied equal rights.
The women I know have been abused, spat on, objectified, and trivialized.
The women I know have been cat-called, solicited, and slut-shamed.
The women I know deserve more than just a day.
They deserve justice.
I am also particularly sensitive to the oppression of women that has come directly and officially from the Christian Church.
If any member of this faith that I share claims that women are some how less important to God's story, or less brave, or unfit to lead and fight, consider the follow:
- Miriam; leading worship (Exodus 15)
- Deborah; leading Israel (Judges 4)
- Huldah; interpreting the law (2 Kings 22 & 2 Chronicles 34)
- Esther; saving God’s people from genocide (Book of Esther)
- Mary Magdalene; the first to preach the Gospel (John 20:1-18 & Mark 16:9-11 & Luke 24:1-12)
- Mary of Bethany; anointing Jesus as the Messiah (John 12)
- Mary of Nazareth; birthing the Savior of the world (Luke 1-2)
- Anna; the prophet (Luke 2:22-40)
- Joanna & Suzanna; disciples who traveled with Jesus (Luke 8:1-3)
- Tabitha; a disciple known for her good works (Acts 9:36-42)
- Priscilla; who corrected false teaching (Acts 18:24-28)
- Lydia & Nympha; hosting house churches (Acts 16:11-15 & Colossians 4:15)
- Phoebe; the deacon (Romans 16:1-2)
- Junia; the apostle (Romans:16:7)
Until next time, be blessed.
~Sam
Image Source: Shadow, Smile, Sing
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