Oh, these faces. This picture is four generations of strength and sass: my Mama Eller, Nana, my mama, and me. When I hear my own voice these days, I catch little bits of their voices in mine. I sound like Mom. On the phone, Mom sounds more like these two.
For International Women’s Day, I find myself thinking about places I have heard women’s voices this year. I joked with my friend Jessica that I should be called the “Monogrammed Feminist,” because that name captures so much of both my sweet, Southern raising and my firm belief in upholding equality for women and girls. We’ll just tuck that name away for another day. This year has been an amazing chorus of voices, with sisters and friends finding their way in new adventures and endeavors.
I have voiced conversations that mattered, and practiced #lettinggo with Nikki on our podcast, Glass Half Full.
I have preached and led retreats in new places, gathering new friends into my circle:
The voices of powerful novels have held new meaning for me in my book club. The Color Purple, Big Little Lies, and The Handmaid’s Tale have taken us into some fascinating conversations.
I have learned to celebrate how #Moxie, welcoming Jen Hatmaker into our Macon circle.
I have listened to my own Mama try out new skills and shine in the beauty of herself.
So, on this #Internationalwomensday 2018, here are FIVE things to inspire. Have a listen, read up, and tell me what inspires you:
1. Gospel Gothic, and that time I joined the gentlemen for Episode 49, when the ladies had some things to say about the Magnificat and intersectionality.
2. The Holy Women Icons Project. Y’all, if you have not seen these gorgeous pieces that celebrate the reach of women throughout history, you must. You simply must. There is a whole series of coloring books, prints, and more.
3. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls is not only an amazing book, but . . . they now have a podcast! Loving it so far.
4. On my podcast Glass Half Full with Nikki Hardeman, so much of what we do is celebrating the voices of women. (Go right ahead and subscribe and then leave a review on iTunes. We SO appreciate it, friends!)
5. Sometimes, we need to see what it looks like when women use their God-given gifts to do tremendous things. Because these sisters are near and dear to my heart, have a look at what a minister looks like. This collection of stories about women who serve in ministry is a gorgeous picture of women who are changing the world.
Celebrate the women in your life and in our world today!
