On International Women’s Day I want GIVE THANKS for my dad who raised me to be a confident human, inspiring me every step of the way as I entered a vocation that is dominantly male and even antagonistic to female leaders.
I want to APPLAUD my husband, my partner, my equal, my co-conspirator in the mission of justice and mercy. Scott is the strongest man I know who has no need to suppress others so that he can accomplish his goals for good in the world.
With my hands lifted and my voice raised
I want to give a SHOUT OUT to the WOMEN
who have gone before me
who suffered and died
without seeing the vision God had
in the beginning-
human beings caring for each other and the earth
with love, respect and power used for the advantage of all.
On this International Women’s Day
I pray that with reverence and awe
we would see ourselves and the other
made in the Image of God.
Let us lay down our swords
work a plow
plant seeds
sweat through the hard work
and reap a harvest of peace
for our children and our children’s children.
May we let go of our sexism, criticism, false-pride and fear
and find our true call
to love our neighbor as ourselves.