As I reflect on the concept of Women’s Her(His)Story Month, I am struck by the idea of celebrating and honoring the women who have shaped and influenced our lives. It is a reminder to acknowledge the robust and influential women in my life and appreciate their determination, compassion, and heart for their communities. This concept has given me a fresh perspective on the often-marginalized contributions of women and the importance of recognizing and lifting their voices and stories.
Over the years learning about my grandmother, the Right Reverend Doris Virginia Mills, whose struggles and triumphs have also nuanced my understanding of gender roles and societal expectations. Her determination to pursue a career in ministry despite being a middle-aged black woman in a society that devalued both qualities is a testament to her strength and resilience. It is a reminder never to underestimate the power of determination and to challenge societal norms and expectations.
Some of us may not realize that God is a spirit who has both masculine and feminine attributes. Our society, and especially religious circles, rail against grey areas. The truth is that most of our lives are lived in the grey and not strictly in the stark contrast of a black-and-white binary. As we grow, we become aware of how God’s attributes shape our understanding of gender and spirituality. I hope that in our growth, we are inspired to recognize and appreciate the balance that the divine feminine brings to our often action-oriented world and to honor and bless these qualities in both women and men.
Allow Women’s Her(His)Story Month to challenge you and me to see things from a fresh perspective. Let it nuance our understanding of gender and societal expectations and shine divine light on the feminine and its influence in our lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the women who have shaped my life and deepen my understanding of the power and strength of the divine feminine.