A good time was had by all
My 100 nouns
house
book
tree
bicycle
candle
peace
friend
path
sight
moment
office
feet
country
art
food
mountain
container
camera
colour
daughters
farm
horse
earth
horizon
airport
window
fire
tent
box
design
words
road
music
ticket
city
lawn chair
fabric
tea
children
flight
monkey
family
rock
journal
poem
wood
blanket
chair
cheese
car
journey
sun
texture
room
justice
bath
leaf
pen
bible
conversation
newspaper
fence
costume
river
door
light
festival
cloud
feather
hand
rain
paper
covenant
wing
zebra
cacophony
daffodil
community
water
butterfly
silence
home
spice
suitcase
challenge
cup
bookstore
depth
kindness
globe
independence
laughter
hike
computer
creativity
downtown
growth
scarf
traveler
summer
International Women’s Day
Today is International Women’s Day. Rachelle, over at Notes from a Truth-Seeker initiated a Grid Blog for International Women’s Day. Since I already posted about a similar topic a couple of posts ago, I wasn’t going to bother joining. But after reading several of the blogs she links to, I was inspired, so here’s my contribution.
Instead of writing about some of the challenges I’ve faced as a woman in a male-dominated world (and faith tradition), I’m going to choose instead to celebrate the people – women AND men – who have inspired me, encouraged me, prodded me, affirmed me, mentored me, trusted me, and lit the path for me in my journey as a woman trying to live out my giftedness. I am thankful for the roles all of these people have played in my life. Here they are, in no particular order…
Doreen, drama and music teacher in college – Doreen was unique, quirky, bold, fun, creative and non-traditional. She lived life on her own terms, took risks, didn’t worry about what other people thought of her, dared to be different, and lived life out loud. She taught me to trust my own creativity and let the world see my uniqueness.
Gisele, boss, mentor, friend – Gisele was the first person who gave me a shot at leadership. She believed I could do it even before I believed it myself. She gave me a shot and then stood by cheering me on while I fumbled my way through. She celebrated me, challenged me, coached me, and taught me that the old style of management didn’t have to be the only way.
Other amazing mentor/bosses/friends I’ve had – Ellen, Cathy, Susan, Diane – They’ve all influenced my style of leadership. They’ve taught me that the greatest leaders learn to serve. They’ve made me want to strive for excellence.
My sister – I don’t think anyone has shared the journey as much as ccap. She came through life with the same baggage, and along the way we supported each other, encouraged each other, taught each other, and challenged each other. When we hear a sexist comment, a simple glance between us is enough to affirm that we both “get it”.
My dad – it’s a bit of a surprise that he made the list, since, in many ways, he epitomized the traditional, patriarchal male. Yes, he made some mistakes along the way, and I could choose to resent him for them. BUT he did some things right too. He wasn’t afraid to admit that he had great respect for smart women (eg. Barbara Frum) and he never doubted that I WAS one. AND when I wanted to learn to drive the tractor like my older brothers, he let me. It may seem like a small thing, but in a strange way, it affirmed me.
My brothers – They have always loved me, trusted me, set a good example for me, and treated me like an equal. They affirm me and let me know it when they’re proud of me. What more could I ask for?
Some of the strong women I watched while I was growing up – Eleanor, Marlene, Mrs. Rainka, Irene (to name just a few) – They eached showed incredible strength in unique and profound ways.
My powerful and compassionate friends – Michele, Linda, Yvonne, Suzanne, Jayne, Julie, Laurel, Sue, Lorna, Kari, Diana, Lenora, Eveline (to name just a few) – They have been no end of inspiration to me. They’ve shown me what women are capable of, they’ve challenged me when I went off track, they’ve taught me that boldness needs to be balanced with compassion, they’ve shared creative moments with me, and they’ve made life a heck of a lot of fun along the way.
The incredible men I’ve had the opportunity to co-lead with – Rob, Wes, Jim, Dan, Larry, Ron, Bob (to name just a few) They’ve never assumed they had any more right to power than me. They’ve dared to be different – to build a new model for a godly man. They’ve been vulnerable, shown compassion and honesty, and fought for truth, respect and honour – for ALL of us.
The woman I met at Act II restaurant back in 1988 (or thereabouts) – She was the first woman pastor (from a Mennonite church) I ever met. She opened a door for me and showed me that a different way is possible.
The incredible 70ish woman ccap and I met hiking in the Alps – She epitomized the woman I want to be in 30 or so years – adventurous, bold, and still excited about looking around the next corner.
My mom – She taught me compassion. She showed me what it means to be a servant. She didn’t always understand my goals, but she didn’t stand in the way of me reaching them. She believes in me and loves to brag to her friends whenever I get something published.
My daughters – They make me want to be bold – to make the world a better place for them. They make me believe in possibilities.
My husband – What can I say? I saved him for last, because in some ways, he’s had the most profound influence. He never ONCE assumed that he was the only head of the household. He approached our relationship as a partnership right from the start and defied anyone who suggested he should do otherwise. He trusted me and believed in me and pushed me to be all that I could be. He never batted an eye at some of my ideas that could have been dismissed as “silly” (like getting him an engagement ring, or keeping my own name). He took a risk and chose to become the primary caregiver, even though it wasn’t the trendy thing to do. He affirms our daughters and teaches them that they are capable of anything.
I am woman, hear me roar! But not just roar, I hum too. š
Thank you to all those who’ve been a part of my incredible life.
Ideas
I love ideas. I could eat, sleep, breathe, dream ideas. I wish I could make a living just coming up with ideas. Of course, if I did, the source of them would probably dry up and I’d run out of money, but I can dream, can’t I?
I have lots of ideas right now. Poems, articles, projects, books, freelance stuff, workshops, websites – you name it. I don’t know if it’s the season – awaiting the coming of Spring – but for some reason, my mind seems full of stuff I’d like to try.
If only I had the time. And the opportunity. I love my life, but sometimes it’s a little frustrating – being so tied to routine and practicality. I have to go to work every day. I have to be an involved mom and wife. I have to participate in cleaning the house, paying the bills, doing the laundry, making sure there’s food to eat… in between, there’s so little time to let ideas take root.
Someday, there will be more time again. Someday, I will quit my job and attempt to be a freelance writer and consultant. Some day…
____________
With child
Iām staring at the white page
pregnant with ideas
waiting for birth
feeling the labour pains before they come
yet longing to see the child emerge
longing to introduce her to the world
longing to breath deep the scent of her
longing to hold her and watch her grow
I want to find a cocoon
of space and time
to settle into birthing
to let these ideas take shape
But there are so many things
life, motherhood, a paying job
that get in the way
that stop me from retreating
into that cocoon
to wait for metamorphosis
These unformed offspring
wrestle within me
fighting for their right to life
fighting to be heard
and seen and touched
They have no choice
but to await
another season, another time
I will remain an expectant mother
hopeful they do not die
before their chance at life
I’ve come a long way baby
Tomorrow, I will facilitate a workshop with about 12 people (mostly men) who are all high level representatives of different church organizations – either executive directors, or senior level bureaucrats. They’re letting little ol’ me stand in front of them and lead their discussion. Not only that, but they’ve asked me to start the day with a 15 minute “Biblical framework”. In other words, at the beginning of the day, I get to stand in front of 10 churchy big-wigs and preach the Bible to them! Hehe! It’s a little heady, I have to admit. Many of them have been to seminary, worked in overseas missions, preached in pulpits, and lead large ministries. But they’re trusting ME to interpret scripture for THEM.
About twenty-five years ago, I was a teenager in a small conservative church. Because there weren’t always enough people to fulfill all the duties, I offered to read the scripture one Sunday morning. I wasn’t allowed to. Wrong gender. What would people think, letting a woman read the Bible aloud in church?
A few years later, I was in Bible college and wanted to serve in a leadership position. But I could only go so far. I was elected student vice-president. I couldn’t be president. Wrong gender. School rules. A woman can’t lead the men. (In the end, as my friend said, I “lead from behind”, since I had more natural leadership ability than the male elected president.)
All I can say is “I’ve come a long way, baby!”
Yes, I think women still have a long way to go in terms of having their leadership abilities affirmed in some Christian circles, but thank God I’ve found some circles that affirm mine. I can’t fit into a Christian paradigm that won’t let me live out my giftedness.
Tomorrow, I will continue to live out my calling. It may not be the most inspired thing this group of leaders will hear in their lifetime, but it will still be valuable. Even though I’m a woman.