I Am a Woman Finding My Voice. I wrote this book nearly two decades ago. I’m glad it’s still in print (amazing!) because, perhaps, it has never been more relevant. Of course, I have changed and evolved since then and might choose some additions and deletions to the thoughts expressed and words written as a younger woman. Nevertheless, it is my hope that what is offered might support and affirm any and all women, but especially new generations of younger women, wherever they find themselves in the process of finding their own voices, their own truth, their own goodness and beauty, strength and wisdom.
In participation with the 2018 Women’s March and what some are calling The Year of the Woman, I will post one affirmation or reflection from the book here weekly, beginning on January 20. I invite you to contribute your thoughts, and even your own I Am a Woman… affirmations, in the spirit of supporting each other. So please, be respectful and kind, and enjoy. (NOTE: To reply/comment, click the title of the entry to open it on its own page – a WordPress thing).
And if you would like your own copy or to give as a gift, the book is available here:
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An 18-year-old African American high school senior became a heroine of mine in July 1996. Her name is Keshia Thomas. Keshia was part of a crowd of 300 people assembled to protest a Ku Klux Klan rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A man who looked like a white supremacist was spotted in the protesters’ midst and there was suddenly an angry mob surrounding him. The crowd started beating him, knocking him to the pavement, and Keshia, who had been one of the people who was going to verbally confront him, threw herself on top of the man to protect him from the attack. The picture in the July 8th People magazine of this young woman grimacing, using her body to protect the bald-headed, tattooed man as he lay on the ground, is etched in my memory, as is Keshia’s explanation of what she did. Keshia’s was a decidedly woman’s act of courage. She was there in the first place to stand against violence and oppression. And when she actually witnessed them, it was the feminine voice which arose, fearless, strong, powerful, in protection of all life. “You don’t beat a man up because he doesn’t believe the same things you do. He’s still somebody’s child,” she said. Then she laughingly told the People reporter that “this will all be over in a New York minute. People don’t have to remember my name. I just want them to remember that I did the right thing.” I remember both, Keshia, and you give me the courage to be a woman fighting for what I believe in.
My body, at last, I claim you! I live here! I am not some disincarnate spirit using just any vehicle to get around. I live in the full, round, soft, juicy, wet, strong, agile, capable, Spirit-filled, nurturing, graceful, flowing, comforting, lovely, smooth, dancing, singing, playing, working, praying body of a woman!
Saying NO!