Strong Women

We have all known strong women. We have all been strong women.

Sometimes that strength came by other's definition in defense of their actions to and against us--They say "She can take it; she's a strong woman." "I don't need to be there for her, she's a strong woman." "That's just old childhood stuff. She'll get past it; she's a strong woman." "She said 'no' but I know she wanted me. What's the problem? She's a strong woman." The strength they assign us gives the illusion of a SuperPower capable of achieving the impossible.

But what goes on beyond the smokescreen? In truth, this phantom power is as impossible to grasp as the smoke in which it was cloaked.

Sometimes we defined that strength for ourselves. We look at our herstories, our struggles, our pain, and say that the very fact we are here proves our strength. When the rabbit outwits the fox's pursuit, is the rabbit's victory in its strength or in its instict and very will to survive?

Our strength cannot continue to be defined by those whose actions or intent make or keep us victims or by us in reaction to them. Our stength must become defined by OUR action, by our unity, by our refusal to be silent, and by claiming the love and respect every person person deserves.

Our choice to go on living demands that each day we claim strength. Can we afford to continue to grasp at phantom strength? Or can we stretch beyond mere survival to grasp hope-giving, life-nurturing true strength? We have all known strong women. We can all be STRONG women. And that is our hope.

Copyright 1998, may not be re-printed without express permission

Sage

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