As we celebrate women the world over, I contemplate the women who have shaped me. Each beautiful soul has gifted me a nugget of truth, a precious stone, a treasure to behold. None of these women were perfect. Neither am I. Each incredible woman chose to show up in her own way, to take-up space, and to share her beauty with the world around her. I’m blessed to have been in their stories, for their gifts have been gems set in my crown. I wear my crown proudly.
My mother taught me to use my mind. She was intelligent and resourceful. She was able to form small steps to make great strides. She was successful in business and taught me that life is a journey of learning. She worked hard and accomplished much. My mother was a do-er and a thinker. She gave me the example of a Diamond. She did not crumble. The pressures of life made her beautiful and strong.
My mother-in-law was gracious and kind. She taught me to see people first. She loved big and loud, genuine and true. She made me feel seen and heard. She scooped me up when I was fragile and gave me stability and unconditional love. She helped me to find my footing when my world was on shaking ground. She showed me how to seek after God and to surround myself with people to hold me accountable. Her heart was pure as Gold.
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” ~ Maya Angelou
I grew up with two grandmothers who were opposites, yet equally generous with their gifts. One was nurturing, warm and soft. She showered me in love. She taught me to bake and filled more than my belly with the sweetness of life. She was the first to show me the way to Jesus. She taught me to pray and to find the love in everyone. Her gift was like the ancient Turquoise, nodding to wisdom and the nobility of God.
Another grandmother was savvy, strong, and a survivor. She showed me how to work hard. She gave me strength. She was a woman of grit and fortitude. She was brave. She was resilient and stepped up to a challenge. She taught me the meaning of hard work and to claim the space that’s mine. She gifted me a fiery energy, passion and purpose. Her gift was like the Topaz.
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
~ Unknown
Even as I am now the mother, my daughters have shaped me as well. They’ve shown me the passion and courage of the Ruby. I’ve witnessed the faithfulness and sincerity of a Sapphire. My daughters-in-love have brought me love, rebirth, and the fertility of an Emerald as new souls are added to our family. I also hold dear the Aquamarine as it is cleansing and inspires truth and letting go.
My crown is full of treasure. It is a testimonial of gifting the beauty within the broken. This keepsake is not complete; there are many more gems to collect along my way. I’ve learned that opened eyes to the myriad of blessings hidden within the mundane is a gift in itself. I challenge you to search and find the gifts in your life too. Celebrate your HERstory. Make peace with the imperfect. A diamond is created under high temperature and extreme pressure. Seek the diamonds deep in the rough. Wear your crown, Mama!
“She wears a crown built from her spine of inner strength and modesty with sparkling jewels to represent her each and every quality.” ~ Michelle Schaper
