It is International Women’s day! And while we should celebrate the women in our lives every day (and the people we love and appreciate in general), today we are going to be extra appreciative.
So today I am sharing some awesome quotes about women that are not about motherhood. All mothers are women, but not all women are mothers (at least in the traditional sense). So here is to all the women!
We all have so much in common
As humans, we share similar struggles and dreams. As women, we have even more in common. I love hanging out with my husband, but sometimes you just need some time with your girls.
We are a sisterhood
Moving is hard. But there is something nice about knowing that wherever you move, you will have sisters. I loved meeting the sisters of the Relief Society in every ward I served in on my mission. They were always so kind and helpful to me and my companion. Being a more permanent member of a Relief Society has been a little harder, but I have found that there is always someone to welcome you. It may take a little more time, but you will always find a sister there.
Women and men have equal responsibilities
Whether in the home or in the Church, women and men have equal responsibilities. Equal doesn’t always mean exactly the same, however. Women and men are both responsible for fulfilling Church callings and living the commandments. We are each, regardless of gender, given responsibilities to nurture, educate, prepare, protect, and provide for others. Let us remember that no responsibility is too small!
We all have something to give
Everyone has a talent they can share. I have often lamented that I don’t have any useful talents. I think what is really the case is that I don’t have a lot of readily visible talents (except bringing people food, super good at that). Being able to make someone smile or laugh is just as useful as being able to hem a skirt or make beautiful crafts. Find something about yourself that you love, and share that light with others.
We are courageous
Sometimes women can feel timid or unable to speak up (not all the time, please don’t yell at me). But when something is important, we have to speak up. The world will try to tell us (women, men, everyone) how to dress, speak, act, and think, but women of God understand who He wants us to be: ourselves. I choose to believe that we all have the courage to be ourselves and who God knows we can be.
We can change the world
This sounds super intimidating, but don’t think of the world as like, the whole planet. Start with your world (family/community/workplace/life). Christ suffered for us so that we could become like Him and our Heavenly Father. As we become more like Him, we want to bring others along the path with us. Changing the world starts one small step at a time. Every time you are kind to someone, you change their world.
We share a purpose
What is our purpose? To come unto Christ! Okay, this really isn’t specific to women, because EVERYONE needs to come unto Christ. But I think there is something special about realizing that women around the world are trying to accomplish the same goal that you are. It goes back to that idea of sisterhood.
We have moral force
What is “moral force”? Is it like when Dumbledore said Harry had outstanding moral fiber in the Second Task? According to one dictionary, it is “an efficient incentive.” I’m still not really sure what that means to be honest, but I can see how it applies in this context. Women have the ability to bring out the best in others (sweeping generalization here). I mean, some moms just need to give you a look and you will behave (I love you, Mom). So ladies, let us use our outstanding moral force to encourage others to be the best people they can be!
We can build and nurture others
One of the great things about the time we live in is that women have so many opportunities. We can go out and do whatever we want if we dedicate enough time and talent to do so. This means that our sphere of influence has only grown. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we have the opportunity to build and nurture others. This includes those in your home, neighborhood, workplace, community, and beyond. The sky is the limit! Unless you want to be an astronaut, then you probably want to go past the sky.
We are irreplaceable
You are the only you in the whole world. You have qualities that no one else has. And as women, we have some qualities that most men just don’t. Don’t lose your amazing and unique qualities in your journey through the world.
We can change the course of history
You never know who you will influence, and who they will influence, and so on. Your kindness could be the inspiration someone needs to continue on their world-changing path. Examine those in your life, your followers on social media, and those you rarely talk to, and see who needs you today.
We need women
These are all quotes from the same talk by Sister Nadauld. I feel like she has summed up my thoughts beautifully. I feel like we have enough women trying to be men or trying to have traditionally male characteristics. We are women, so we should use what we have to make things great! Now I am not trying to say that women shouldn’t be tough. What I am trying to say is that being gruff and hard-hitting isn’t necessarily the best option. Sometimes being tender is tougher. Again, these are just my opinions.
The moral of this post: women are amazing. We need the amazing qualities women possess to enrich the world around us. Ladies, this is your pep talk. Gentlemen, this is your reminder to treat the women in your life as your partners in changing the world for good. Everyone, this is my request for all of you to remember that you are great and are capable of great things.
