International Women’s Day, March 8

A child is born for us today.
A daughter is given.
Upon her a LIGHT shall shine
that no darkness shall ever overcome.

She shall not keep this LIGHT to herself,
not hide it under a bushel
as might be expected of woman.
Rather she shall place it upon a lamp stand
so the sun of justice may rise
with its healing rays.

—– By Sister Donna Butler (excerpt)

As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8, 2016, I hardly know where to begin. The inequality of women and violence toward women at every level of existence is so overwhelming and so devastating. How do I keep hope alive?

I turned to a poem I wrote years ago (quoted above). In truth, the LIGHT of the Divine, of Holy Mystery, shines within every girl/woman bestowing a human dignity that can never be taken from her.

However, in a world of violence and injustice that human dignity can be ignored and tragically denied by individuals and by systems of oppression. Such experiences can have a debilitating effect on how girls and women perceive themselves.

There are, however, countless girls and women across this global world who refuse to keep this LIGHT under a bushel. On a daily basis, they place it upon a lamp stand so the sun of justice may rise with its healing rays.

Who are the girls/women I know who stand up for the human rights of all women? Some of them are well known; others are known only in smaller circles. I could write a letter, send an e-card or make a phone call to thank someone for their efforts.

Maybe they are girls/women who have died, but have made a significant difference in my life or in the lives of all women. I can still thank them or honor them in some way.

Lastly, how do I place the Divine Light shining within me, not under a bushel, but on a lamp stand? How does my life cause the sun of justice to rise with its healing rays?

For action, inspiration or more information, visit these links:

http://www.internationalwomensday.com/Pledge

https://assets.brandfolder.com/zwca0afm/original/thistlefarmsdigitalmediakit.pdf

http://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2014/3/mdgs-gender-chart-2014