For your consideration……
I retired from Ford Motor a few years ago. I came up through the “ranks” when being a woman manager was tough business. Even when I retired, I was almost always the only woman present in meetings. I remember an intern asking me about it once and I had to pause and think about it. I ran through all of my standard meetings and they were right. I was almost always the only woman and shockingly was immune to it. Early on in my career someone ( I think it was my friend, Janet) told me “Never volunteer to take notes.” “Why?” I asked. “Because men automatically look to the woman to take notes. They assume it should be their role making you their admin versus their peer.” At the time I remember thinking this was ridiculous advice but I took it none the less and noticed she was right. I’m telling you this because that is the example I was given for today’s message.
The balance of power in today’s world is off. Ideally masculine and feminine energies should be separate but equal. There is a need for both. In an ideal world both would operate in their full power. In today’s world the feminine energy is minimized. It is suppressed because of fear. If women stand up into their full and equal power, men feel they will lose some of theirs. Of course, this is a ridiculous notion. Men have no greater ally and success then when women are standing in their full power along side of them.
My example today was to show us how little subtle things support the imbalance. It is those common deferment of roles that women just accept that helps perpetuate masculine over feminine power. Just because we are better and more efficient does not mean we should accept the role. In this case, image matters.
We are asked to be aware of those slotted roles ie; party planner, note taker, cleaner, babysitter, shopper etc. Don’t just automatically accept them. Demand full respect for who you are and the role your position commands. Do not let yourself be minimized.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…..
-Meditate/pray….ask…..”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
-Be aware of your image.
What made me smile yesterday……
-I remembered that on Sunday when I was feeling sad that my daughter was being deployed, I walked into my office and their on my shelf sat a random “Angel Card.” I have no idea where it came from. I do not recognize it as part of any of my decks. Yet there it was sitting on my shelf. It was entitled “Child”. My ever-present Guidance letting me know that my child is protected and I need not worry.
-Fun with my grandkids and friends.
-A cool dip in the pool on a sweltering day.
-Dinner with Jody and Bob.
-Hearing from Alex.
Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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