WHY WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT INT. WOMEN’S DAY

Cheers to my strong sisters around the world – Happy International Women’s Day!

I am proud to say that what once held little to no significance for me growing up has now become something very near and dear to my heart.

For those that may not know, I competed as a scholarshipped collegiate soccer player for four years. But I didn’t just play at any program, I attended the best program (I may be a little biased!) – And it just so happened to be a women’s college.

It was there that I learned the power that comes from empowering other women. And found the freedom to explore and understand the privileges I have been afforded by the women who have walked (and fought) before me.

This year, no matter your gender, age, race, ethnicity, or political affiliation, I believe we all have a reason to care about International Women’s Day (IWD).

A Christian’s Perspective on IWD

In this life, there are so many things that we will never be able to control. Like who our parents are, where we were born, or what ethnicity we belong to. But as believers, we can control how deeply we absorb and obey the commandments that we have each been given.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

John 13:34-35, NLT

As far as I know, this wasn’t a command to love only women or only men… But every single person. We have all been created in the image of God and when we receive the gift of salvation, we become His children and part of one single body. And when one part of the body hurts, we should all hurt.

So to place one person’s value over another’s because of their beliefs or natural biology is not just an attack against that person. It’s against yourself and all humanity.

As Christians, we will always have a responsibility to stand behind and alongside our sisters who have never been able to stand up for themselves. Celebrating International Women’s Day is not only choosing to shed light on the social, cultural, and economic accomplishments of women, but also commemorating what we have done despite the obstacles set before us.

A Message to My Sisters: It’s Not About Us

Even from the beginning, Jesus honored and uplifted women against society’s norms and found ways to use them mightily in His ministry. God is not interested in laws and judgments, but in all things, makes people his priority.

I don’t want to be known as the one who stood in the way of honoring and celebrating others. I would rather be remembered as the one who stood in the gap to advocate for my sisters. As Christians, wouldn’t it be awesome if we led the way as the greatest activists for women’s rights and the loudest cheerleaders for those that can’t speak for themselves?

Ultimately, International Women’s Day is not just for ‘females and feminists.’ It stretches so far beyond the borders of our own personal lives and impacts the ones we may never be able to fully empathize with nor understand. I celebrate IWD to advocate for change for:

• The girls who have been robbed of their childhood to become child brides in foreign countries at the age of 13.
• The teenagers who have been groomed by their own families to join an industry that enslaves them for money and the powers of men.
• The ones who are triggered by human closeness, which we all need to survive, because of actions done to them without their consent.
• And for all the women who have walked boldly before us, the ones working tirelessly still today, and all the women we are destined to impact in the future.

Let’s #ChooseToChallenge

When I was in the sixth grade, my aunt gave me this old, yellowing piece of paper with words I could barely understand. She had me repeat it out loud to her and explained why she wanted me to have it and how she wanted me to remember it for the rest of my life.

That tattered page hung on the front of my bedroom door for the next ten years until it finally found its place on the bottom of my blog (Quote of the Day). Why? Because it’s just that powerful. And something you should try and remind yourself of every day.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates us.”

1994 Inaugural Speech from Nelson Mandela

Confession time: every time I draft a new post for my blog, I am filled with so much caution and anxiety… What if people don’t like what I write? Or they don’t agree? Is it too Christian-y?

But I’ve learned to appreciate the fear because it shows me that I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone. And I know I won’t make it very far if I always choose to stay in the same place. So far, stepping into this scary corner of the internet every week has already become one of the greatest adventures of my life.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. If you’ve ever felt excited about something but have been too afraid to try, I challenge you to step boldly into that passion and see what God will do! Stand up for what you believe in, even if you’re standing alone. For more information on the history behind IWD, you can visit their official website here!

Mentorship Mondays!

In honor of National Women’s History Month, I am SO excited to announce my first series – Mentorship Mondays! There is no greater example of empowered women empowering women than the strong female mentors who have spoken into my life over the years. And for the next three weeks, I will have the honor of interviewing them and sharing their story with you!

I believe there is so much to learn from others who have lived through times and seasons well ahead of you. And sometimes all we need is a little reassurance that how we feel and what we’re going through is okay. I can’t wait for you to read their responses as they answer questions on life, leadership, faith, and legacy. You won’t want to miss it!