Successful Womanhood

Years ago when I was a single parent trying to raise nine children without support from my ex-husband, I applied for one truck driving job after another. It was the most lucrative skill I had, but in those days, no one would hire a woman to do a "man's job." My job search remained unsuccessful until I realized how timid I was, how my expectation of refusal was reflected in every aspect of my carriage.

I knew I was a good truck driver and could perform the duties better and with more integrity than most men, I just needed the confidence to convince others of that fact. So, instead of stressing my need for the job, I began to stress the employer's need for ME. I was hired immediately! And was paid on the same scale as my male counterparts.

Whether in the workplace or in any other aspect of life, be proud God made you a woman. Please let these bits and pieces inspire and uplift you...

Strengths
Sent to me by Viola Gilbert

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They carry children, they carry hardships, they carry burdens but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

Women wait by the phone for a "safe at home call" from a friend after a snowy drive home. Women have special qualities about them. They volunteer for good causes. They are pink ladies in hospitals, they bring food to shut ins. They are childcare workers, executives, attorneys, stay-at-home moms, biker babes and your neighbors.

They wear suits jeans, and they wear uniforms. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up for injustice. They are in the front row at PTA meetings. They vote for the person that will do the best job for family issues. They walk and talk the extra mile to get their children in the right schools and for getting their family the right healthcare. They write to the editor, their congressmen and to the "powers that be" for things that make for a better life. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They stick a love note in their husband's lunch box. They do without new shoes so their children can have them. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally.

Women are honest, loyal, and forgiving. They are smart, knowing that knowledge is power. But they still know how to use their softer side to make a point. Women want to be the best for their family, their friends, and themselves.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They have sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

A woman's touch can cure any ailment. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. She can make a romantic evening unforgettable.

Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes. They live in homes, apartments and cabins. They drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin!

Women do more than just give birth. They bring joy and hope. They give compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. And all they want back is a hug, a smile and for you to do the same to
people you come in contact with. Women have a lot to say and a lot to give.

This was sent to you by someone who respects you as a woman and who sees many of your qualities in this letter. Why not pass it on to someone you recognize and know? Not a chain letter or anything like that, just a pat on the back.

(It really made my day when Viola sent me this. Why not copy it and paste it into an e-mail to the women you admire?)

Appearances
(by Rusty Berkus)
Submitted by F. Bills

Editor's Note: Although this poem does not relate to the Lord, it just takes a hint of His love to see that He rather than Self is the key. The thoughts hrein, however are inspiring.

"Wherever you are in this moment,
is exactly where you are supposed to be,
no matter how things may seem to appear.

When you know you are doing your very best
within the circumstances of your existence,
applaud yourself.

Above all, forgive yourself...
And forgive everyone else.

There is no one to compare yourself to,
and no one to compete with.
There never was.
When the rose and the lotus are side by side,
is one more beautiful than the other?

When you awaken to who and what you are,
everyone automatically awakens to who
and what you are, without a word spoken.

All earthly pain is due to our
inability to release what needs to be free.

You stand outside the circle and wonder why you feel left out,
unaware that you need your OWN permission to
join the others ~ not theirs.

Your loneliness is your Self, wanting to make friends with itself.
Your loneliness is your Heart, wanting to sing to itself.
Your loneliness is your Being, wanting to dance with itself.

Behind all your anger and fear,
beneath all your sadness and loss...
is the need for love.
How much love are you willing to accept from others?

And how much are you willing to give?"
~~~

"You are so loved."
~~~

Each day comes bearing its gifts.
Untie the ribbons!

False Expectations
Submitted by Margo Bentzler

Did you know...

If shop mannequins were real women, THEY'D BE TOO THIN TO MENSTRUATE.

There are 3 billion women who don't look like supermodels and ONLY 8 WHO DO.

Marilyn Monroe wore a SIZE 12. And her proportions by today's standards would be about a SIZE 16.

If Barbie were a real woman, she'd have to walk on all fours due to her proportions.

The average American woman stands 5'4", weighs 144 lbs. and wears between a size 12 and 14.

One out of every 4 college aged women has an eating disorder.

The models in the magazines are airbrushed-THEY'RE NOT PERFECT!!

A psychological study in 1995 found that 3 minutes spent looking at models in a fashion magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed, guilty and shameful.

Models who twenty years ago weighed 8% less than the average woman, today weigh 23% less.

Phenomenal Woman
by Maya Angelou
Submitted by Margo Bentzler

All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned from Noah
Submitted by Julia Townsend

1. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

2. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something REALLY big.

3. Don't listen to critics -- do what has to be done.

4. Build on high ground.

5. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

6. Two heads are better than one.

7. Speed isn't always an advantage. The cheetahs were on board, but so were the snails.

8. If you can't fight or flee -- float!

9. Take care of your animals as if they were the last ones on earth.

10. Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.

11. Stay below deck during the storm.

12. Remember that the woodpeckers INSIDE are often a bigger threat than the storm outside.

13. If you have to start over, have a friend by your side.

14. Remember, the ark was built by amateurs and the Titanic was built by professionals.

15. Don't miss the boat.

16. No matter how bleak it looks, there's always a rainbow on the other side.

We need articles, poetry and other original submissions
of interest to women, especially Christian women.

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