International Women’s Day
“Friends. Sisters. Mothers. Professors. When women affirm women, it unlocks our power. It gives us permission to shine brighter.”
Any time a holiday rolls around, I cannot seem to resist the urge to reflect. Typically, I do not regard this particular holiday in such high esteem, but for some reason this year, I have felt a great urge to sit and write about the significance of having a day dedicated to honoring and acknowledging the many facets of being woman.
In an immediate instance, my mind directs me to all of the women who came before me; the women whom I stand on the shoulders of. I cannot help but to feel a deep sense of gratitude for the women who have had a hand in raising me and instilling certain core values that I hold fast to. I think about the many sacrifices of my mother. She worked and still does work tirelessly to provide a life for my brother and I where we never were in need of anything. She modeled the endurance of single Black motherhood and what it looks like to have a deep passion for and pursuit of upward mobility without even having a blueprint for it. She has a fiery tongue while simultaneously having a burning desire to care for others. I carry this iteration of womanhood daily.
I also think about the gentle spirit of my aunt, who has always poured out when she has had nothing left to give. As a child, she always made sure I was in the count when she cared for her children and to this day, I am still regarded as her third child in the way she extends herself for me. She has modeled for me the beauty of selflessness, which is a virtue our world lacks.
I even think about the woman who filled the space of grandmother for me. Also, a very gentle and kind spirit, she filled our home with warmth and our bellies with well seasoned meals that gratified the body and soul. She embodies the all too common Black mom adage “we got food at home!” She exhibited so much patience with me throughout the course of my life and was easily one of my biggest supporters. In childhood and adulthood, I could always look over my shoulder to see, hear and or feel her cheering me on. We all need that.
Lastly, I even think about my eldest aunt whose imprint has permeated more of my adulthood, yet has had such significant impact. Her transparency about her life’s journey and how it has lended itself to the way she mothers, loves and ultimately operates in life has been affirming in teaching me how to treat trials that come to knock me off of my feet. Our one-on-one moments always provide me with the wise counsel that can only come from a mother and I hold them near to my heart.
I would be remiss if I endeavored to write a post about the contributions of women in my life without making mention of my sisters. I am certain that God has been intentional about working behind the scenes of my life to curate a panel of women who would appeal to the different versions of me. I have two mom friends who have uplifted me in life’s darkest moments, prayed with and for me during pivotal times and have shown me love in ways that I did not know I could receive love from people who were just my friends. I also have a sister friend who I will ever regard as a forever friend because we have seen one another through a myriad of life’s seasons and one thing that has always been constant is the amount of reverence we have for one another. She is truly a sister whose friendship has withstood the test of time and has proven that no matter what, we have a friend in one another.
To say that I am grateful for all of the women mentioned here would be the very least. Being a woman is such a layered experience that requires a village to affirm, uplift, correct and model after. I have a very diverse assembly of women who tap into the many dimensions of me and I feel fortunate to know them and to honor them today.
Happy International Women’s Day!
