Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Day 194 or International Women's Day -- Belated

So on Monday, I was lost in the world of this little woman and somehow missed that it was a day for Women of This World. I missed a day dedicated to celebrating the contribution of women especially in war-ravaged countries like Rwanda and Congo. A day that thousands of women met on the Brooklyn Bridge and UK's Millennium Bridge. A day that said as women we have the power to shape hearts and minds for peace. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I missed it. So red-faced, I come to you two days later to tell you what I would have said.

I would have said that I have seen the power of caring women demonstrated through the generations of women that raised me. My mother is braver than she knows. She taught me right from wrong and as a Southerner taught me that God truly did create all people and to judge someone solely one their actions not their heritage. Her mother taught her that hard work mattered and she should never give up. Her grandmother taught her that life was for living and never backed away from a challenge (even one that involved a mugger but that story is for another day). These women shaped me and my world.

I would have said that I have seen the power of caring women demonstrated through this blog. How amazed I have been by the voices of women around this globe that I would never have "heard" had I not started blogging. Voices raising up their families, their cultures, their lives in a chorus that celebrates life itself. Voices that denounce ignorance, racism, and hatred, Voices that have meaning. Voices that have power. (Many of which who got the memo about Monday and spoke beautifully that day!)

I would have said that I hope to light my candle in the goal of enlightenment and peace. That I hope I am a contributor not a detractor. That I stand on the shoulders of the women who came before and I hope that my shoulders are strong enough for those who follow.

That's what I would have said. Instead I just bragged about getting my Oscar picks right. Not my finest moment. Nonetheless, today I say "yay" for women. Every woman. Everywhere.

12 comments:

Mama-Face said...

You are a perfect example of the power of caring women. Trust me, I know.

Corrie Howe said...

Thanks for letting me know about this dedicated day. I'm going to a breakfast next weekend for honoring local women. I know one of the honorees. She is amazing

Mandee said...

Wow, I didn't know about this day either. I think your speech was great! :) I too have been touched by so many bloggy friends!

chitra said...

The best thing that has happened to women in India is a bill has been passed in Upper house of the Parliament giving 33%reservation for women. It has to be passed in the lower house also but there it is facing some protests. But it is a matter of few days before the bill is passed and I am sure WOMEN will give in their best for the development of the country.

Nice post dear Traci.

Claudya Martinez said...

Beautifully put.

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Thanks for sharing this with us Traci. Nothing like the caring power of women, I have 'met' so many of them through my blog, yourself included.

mommakin said...

See? You're feeling bad about missing it and I'm feeling bad that I jumped on a bandwagon. I don't hop around as much as I used to and didn't realize those posts were everywhere. Much more special to post it on a day when everyone else isn't saying variations of the same thing. Oh - and yay for women indeed.

Betty Manousos said...

I think your spech was fantastic!
Thanks for reminding of that special day,
Betty xx

Furry Bottoms said...

I love this tribute to women. You're so right, you find so many degrees of strength, determination, love and everything else through the blogs. I know I did for sure.

Sam said...

Great reading, so true. I love your style and message. Come over and win some Racheal Ray cookware on my blog. Haven't seen you for a while. Thanks, Keri (a.k.a. Sam)

Nicole @ WhenDidIBecomeMyMom.com said...

I didn't write about it either... But I do whole-heartedly appreciate this community of wonderful women and mothers I've met through blogging.

Cheers!

Sam said...

Hey Traci, I certainly hope that was a good "wow", either way, I'm so glad I stopped back in tonite to see this post. I had no idea of this homage to women. Great to find it here. Thanks for being a blogging pal and coming by my silly page. You're awesome, girl. Keri (a.k.a. Sam)