What a month! Just when you thought you had seen it all, the chaos (to some), and cheers of ‘that’s the way you do it’ (to others), continued like bulls rampaging through a china shop. This raging bull is still a good image. Little thought of how it’s done, big show for the biggest bang and shock affect, and from those who have a front row seat, thinking “aha another distraction from what is really happening”.
You may become part of your future generation that will look back on March 2025 as history, where you will say ‘never will I forget those times’. I can say this because I have lived much longer than I have years to live. Who would have imagined that honoring the achievements and contributions of numerous women, whose impact on American society and the world has shaped both the present and the future, could be seen as a threat? Stories and memories were directed to be obliterated just by the stroke of a pen.
I am in awe of women and their resilience, their thriving against all odds. I learned about the First Black Women Millionaires who were Royal, Black, and Elite, this month. A few years ago, I went to the Muhammad Ali Center and there was an exhibit entitled “We Don’t Wither”. There were amazing stories of women who were imprisoned all over the world for the simplest matters but mostly being a woman. One artist’s rendition stated, ‘I am a fighter and I ain’t gonna stop’. I also like Muhammad Ali’s quote where he said “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth”.
It is fitting that Equal Pay Day, originated in 1996, would be recognized in the same month as Women’s History Month. There used to be a National Committee on Pay Equity. March 12, 2024, symbolized how far women and minorities were in the red. The trend of women not being paid the same as men for the same jobs and expectations, continues. Why would we not still fight for equal rights, equal pay?
Who do you represent, today? Did you vote to turn back the hands of time; to overturn all the gains that women had made? Did you vote for women to have fewer rights than men? Do you only speak as part of the social media, and in a crowd, and shout someone else’s words? Do you have your own thoughts, words, voice? Did you vote to have a king? Guess what, you aren’t the first. If you know your bible, Israel, asked for a king, 1 Samuel 8. Just like then, people didn’t listen to the prophet(s) who told them…”you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”
I didn’t vote for a perfect system or a perfect party. I voted to declare freedom, knowing it is a constant struggle in this country, and boldness as my birthright. I voted to say I will only look up to the one who is King of Kings, the God who is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient, no matter what happens. I voted for the God who stands first for love of all people, who is a just God, and ultimately in control. Despite the evil that is ever present, it is not the last word.
For all of us, which is most of us who Definitely Earned It (DEI), I know nobody hired you because you couldn’t do the job. You were hired because you were the best and oftentimes better than others in that business or organization. Yes, times will be harder once again, as you seek what God has for you during this time of uncertainty. If you are a mother, raise your children to respect and acknowledge, not only you, but your place in God’s creation. You are the only one who can bring anyone into this world, so you must be special. I hope you will be inspired to seek to learn about Women Trailblazers. Add your influence to a world who needs women who care about others, who serve the sisterhood, and remember to value you when others do not.
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