"Teach your daughters to worry less about fitting into glass slippers and more about shattering glass ceilings." This quote by New York Jets Digital Marketer, Melissa Marchonna, is nothing shy of the truth. Society has dictated what women should do, how they should act, and what they should wear for centuries. If they did anything other than what was a societal norm they would be shunned or would suffer dire consequences. The Feminist movement (and those who don't consider themselves a Feminist but still work towards women's equality) has been around for over 150 year. While they have seen some progress during that time, the fight for equality is far from over. So, there are a few things that can be said to our next generation of girls who may still be subjected to the "old way" of thinking.
1. You are beautiful and skin color doesn't matter.
Don’t let society make you feel that you have to be a part of a specific race to be beautiful. This has been another issue that the world has presented to women longer than you actually realize. But the truth is, not matter what ethnicity you are, you are beautiful inside and out.
2. You are beautiful and size doesn't matter.
Yep, one more problem to add to the list to change. It has been literally engraved into the minds of girls that you have to look like a supermodel to be beautiful. But once again… nor true! When did size ever determine your self-worth? Never! So, to all of my fellow sisters out there, whatever size you are, you are beautiful!
3. You are worth more than rubies.
It wouldn’t be like me if I didn’t tell you about your self-worth. The Bible speaks of a woman’s worth in Proverbs 31:10-31. Although I won’t quote it verbatim, I will tell you that you are priceless. Being beautiful, strong, wise and courageous is part of who you are. God did not intend for women to be abused, misused and controlled. He has given us the strength to lead and the wisdom to know when we should follow. Just know that you are as graceful as a dove, yet possess the roar of a lion.
4. You can do whatever you set your mind to do.
Growing up in my family there were not only more girls than boys, but the majority of the girls were older than the boys. This left yard work up to guess who… yep, the girls. My sisters and I pulled cut down branches (and not the ones a little three year old could pick up), carried cut up wood, cut the grass, pulled garbage to the end of the road, (imagine pulling a week’s worth of garbage for a family of 12), etc. If it needed to be done, my sisters and I helped my parents do it. I learned how to air up, change a tire and how to change the oil in a vehicle. I have even used an axe a few times in my lifetime. And I have to say that I am not ashamed of what I can do. Sure, I would prefer not to have to do any of these things, but if the time comes where I have no other choice, I won’t be helpless. So don’t be afraid to do things that are considered a “man's job".
5. Wear your glass slippers if you want.
While I agree with Marchonna’s quote, I still believe that you should still have the right to “worry” about your glass slippers. Of course life is not a fairytale. As a matter of fact, when you get to the real world you will see that it is nothing like what you expected. But, I say that if the girl in your fairytale is someone who realizes her self-worth, will not back down from a challenge, and makes sure that she walks in her purpose then go for it!
Women are a wonderful and significant creation of God. Therefore, we can't be afraid of our strength, nor should we hate our weaknesses. That is just what makes us who we are. Remember, we are so important that there would not even be a human race without us.
Who Run the World? Girls!
