Here's to being Female (A re-salute to our daughters!)

Tonight, I am recycling a post from last year in honor of two birthday's this week - our daughter Michaela and our 'bonus' daughter, Terra.  They are both living examples of the old metaphor 'small in stature, mighty in spirit'.  Don't let their size full you - there are fires behind those beautiful eyes! Nothing will truly ever stop these two dynamos from getting what they set their minds upon.  Happy Birthday ladies, and here's to the joy of being female!

Michaela's wedding day, with her sister, Terra.

It’s Friday Night, so it must be time for another Cocktail Hour at the Henderson’s.  Tonight, we have the pleasure of being joined by our oldest daughter, Michaela.  As I was preparing for this evening and deciding what I wanted to toast to, I noted that today is “International Day of the Woman”.  As a woman born in the early 60’s, I am of the generation who realized the benefits other women who sacrificed much for things like the right to vote, and the right to be a part of the workforce of our choosing.  As I look at my daughters and the next generation of women, I am a little concerned that the true intention of ‘equality’ will continue to benefit not just our gender, but truly all humanity.  What does it mean to be female, and how do the attributes of femininity contribute to a stronger and more sustainable society?  These are important questions that go beyond ‘rights’ - no matter how important we might think those may be.

Raising children has certainly become more complicated, but raising a daughter has become tremendously so.  Women have more choices, but society isn't always ready for them to make them.  We don’t only have to raise our daughters to believe they can do whatever they feel is their calling, but also to be ready to face opposition regarding their path.  This isn't only true for the woman who wants to put career over having a family, but also for those who think a family is her calling.  For most of our daughters, there isn't an ‘only’ option.  Our standards of living have brought the reality that two incomes are needed to provide for even the basics.  Where does this leave our daughters?  Freer or even more burdened than ever before?

I believe my parents saw me not as a female only, but a person who had enormous potential.  But certainly, my ancestors did believe there were limits to what could come of the potential of a woman.  Perhaps the greatest gift my generation has given to our daughters is to demonstrate the removal of many of those limits, while still celebrating the fabulous ways a woman is unique.  It’s important not to make the uniqueness part of the list of limitations, and this is where it gets fuzzy.

I have found my example of true womanhood in a place that many other feminists would probably not look.  The Book of Proverbs offers the description of an amazing woman in number 31.  From verse 10 on, it speaks of a ‘wife’ of noble character.  It goes on to talk about how she is a merchant, a homemaker, a farmer, an economist, a director, and a caretaker.  No limits in her life, even her spouse and children recognize her strength.  ‘Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting’ – focus instead on what is lasting and recognize what is truly eternal.  Wisdom that is thousands of years old, but still better than anything you’ll find out there.

So tonight, on this day of the Woman, we are toasting to our daughters, and the daughters that may follow in their lives. We are drinking a cocktail called “Pretty in Pink”.  Here’s to the amazing things they have and will accomplish, with a uniqueness that only they can bring.  CHEERS FRIENDS!

Joy’s ‘Pretty in Pink’ Daiquiri

2 oz Rum

2 oz Pom Juice

2 oz Milk

Ice

Blend together and pour in martini glasses.  Garnish with fruit.