Sunday, January 21, 2018


Many (hundreds of thousands) women across North America marched on Saturday.

I don't know what all the issues are.
I'm not sure who they, collectively, are all supporting or not supporting or why they are so angry or so hurt. What is the one thing that all these women agree on? What one thing above all others do they want changed? Is it universal?

I listened to some of the speeches and I was still left a little confused at what they were trying to accomplish. Hundreds of thousands of women, all together, chanting and ranting about change but I didn't hear a plan.

(I am a planner.)

(I'm not judging. I am asking.)

Aside from that, it was quite the sight. SO many people out. I love crowd events. I love unity. It always fills me with hope that ultimately we can all get along if we're all passionate about the same thing.


Contrast that (above) with this (below):

(Grrrrr. From now on, I'm keeping dozens of extra batteries in my truck for such a time as this. Dead batteries in my flash, again, so capturing love at quiet birthday dinners is impossible. Sigh.)

Faye turned 60 this weekend.
And we (her 3 daughters, one tiny granddaughter, her sister, her sister-in-law and friends) were together to celebrate and honor her.

Each of us shared, out loud, (which of course brought tears), how Faye has blessed us. We talked about special memories, we affirmed her gifts and talents, we encouraged her in her plans, we told her we loved her.

Her daughters shared too. About her sacrificial giving, her endless capacity to love, her creativity. her patience, her joy. But they also talked about their mom's friendships. And what an impact that had on them. How her friends were THERE. How, during the tough days, the friends showed up. And stayed. How those same friends were there on happy days, and filled the house with laughter. How it was the friends who supported, prayed, loved, fed, stood beside their mom ... how it was these friendships that inspired them to gather friends like that around themselves.


I personally don't know anyone who was marching.
The women I know? Aren't known for their activist activities. They're known for bringing about change in their own lives, and the lives of those they love, very quietly, one relationship, or act of kindness at a time. It's hard work, and it's all behind the scenes. And it's completely thankless. Unless of course, someone throws you a lovely party on your 60th birthday and lets you know what a difference you've made in this world.

Imagine if every woman in North America had a support system like Faye.
Imagine if every woman in North America had a few family members along with a few friends who affirmed, loved, cared for, helped, rejoiced, cried, fed, and celebrated her.
Imagine if every woman in North America attended/belonged to a church/larger community that came alongside and looked after it's members.

What would it look like if every woman in North America had the confidence that comes with knowing she has a team/squad/gang who have her back.

We need those who march with the crowds and communicate with microphones. But we also need those who get on their knees to wash floors, snuggle in close to give hugs, roll up their sleeves to make meals for the homeless and the new moms, bend over to pick up litter, sit down to write letters, give up sleep to volunteer, sacrifice movie nights in order to support a few kids in Guatemala...

We need each other to use our gifts and talents and energy on those who are broken, hurting and lost.

Grateful to be a woman. In Canada. In 2018.
Grateful for this life I get to live.
Praying I'm not wasting it.


Three things I'm thankful for:

1. Thankful for Faye and her friendship.
2. Thankful for the people I get to do life with.
3. Thankful for beaches. And big skies above them.


Kim N. said...

Well said. I guess there is a time to march and a time to make tea and listen to a friend share their heart. What a lovely group of women.

ramblin'andie said...

Crank your ISO up, open your aperture as wide as it goes, and you should be able to take okay pictures in the dark even without a flash. Next time we go for a walk at night, we can practice!