International Women's Day and Lent

Amazed and chuckling, I found this logo for International Women's Day. Not only is it beautiful, it's purple, as is the Catholic liturgical color for the Lenten season. My laughter flourished with the knowledge that purple is a royal color, and yet, for the church, a color of humility and penance. The church refuses ordination to women for them to wear those purple vestments, yet the very symbol of their day explodes with the Lenten color. Seems the church and the women are resolutely at odds with each other!

On this incredible day, when the world focuses its collective attention ever-so-briefly on women, here are some quotes from a few of our amazing number:

"A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult."  ~ Melinda Gates

May you always have your voice.

"Remember the dignity of your womanhood. Do not appeal, do not beg, do not grovel. Take courage, join hands, stand beside us, fight with us." ~ Christabel Harriette Pankhurst

May you always have your dignity, your courage, and your sisters by your side.

"I believe that it is as much a right and duty for women to do something with their lives as for men and we are not going to be satisfied with such frivolous parts as your give us." ~ Louisa May Alcott

May you always have meaningful work and respectful partnerships.

"Women are the real architects of society." ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

May you always remember your capacity to create on small and large scales.

"We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change." ~ Sheryl Sandberg

May you always have awareness and the flexibility and courage to change.