Wow, what an amazing and informative post. I learned so much.
"The striving to be seen and treated as a free and equal is as ancient as time." No kidding. I often think about the women who came before us and the struggles and downright horrendous things they endured. Sometimes, this gets forgotten, and it can't and shouldn't be.
I'm so excited that women seem to be coming together this election cycle in a more profound, unified way. Maybe it's due to the overturning of Roe. Trump fatigue. Impatience and disappointment with the system and yes, men. A yearning to see our first woman president. And many other reasons, too, of course.
We are ready and feeling hopeful. At least I know I am!
Thank you for the post and for the kind shout out. I appreciate you.
Nancy, I couldn't agree more -- women are coming together in a more unified way and it's powerful. The feeling of hope in the air is undeniable and like you, I am ready to see our first woman president. May we continue to stand in the light of truth and speak it. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Thank you for reminding us of these visionary women and their audacious insistence of living their spirituality--in the 13th century! What amazing models they are still. I feel much more optimistic now with a presidential candidate about whom I can say proudly, "She's with me." Yes!
She's with me and I'm with her. And like you, Susan, the feeling of optimism is one that I was so ready for. . . well, me and just about everyone else I know. It's like the sun came out. Big hugs.
I love this post, Stephanie! I didn't know about the Beguines, and I love your points throughout, including "The heroines who were the Beguines dared to answer the calling of their hearts and be in service to human kind. In the face of domination they rose up, not with the sword but with the empowerment of love. They stand behind us now, their hands on our shoulders, encouraging us to move forward." I also think of Kamala Harris as part of this history. She wants what is best for this country.
Thank you for the reminder about history having prominent women who did good, in spite of all the obstacles. By the way, I now have Tatar's book on my to-read list.
Thank you so much for the shout-out. I so appreciate you!
Ireland has a long tradition of 'uppity' women like the Beguines, including in Cork City, an amazing museum (and one of Cork's best cafes!), on the site of the convent founded by the innovator, rebel nun and educator of poor children, Nano Nagle. https://nanonagleplace.ie/the-story-of-nano-nagle/
I wondered if you were aware of the fabulous Substack too @15thcenturyfeminist which reminds us that not ALL of the women of history are/were 'anon' and, like your piece, that women have been resisting patriarchy in order to do good in the world for a very long time! Thank you for this lovely essay, broadening my mind and opening my heart today.
Hi Stephanie,
Wow, what an amazing and informative post. I learned so much.
"The striving to be seen and treated as a free and equal is as ancient as time." No kidding. I often think about the women who came before us and the struggles and downright horrendous things they endured. Sometimes, this gets forgotten, and it can't and shouldn't be.
I'm so excited that women seem to be coming together this election cycle in a more profound, unified way. Maybe it's due to the overturning of Roe. Trump fatigue. Impatience and disappointment with the system and yes, men. A yearning to see our first woman president. And many other reasons, too, of course.
We are ready and feeling hopeful. At least I know I am!
Thank you for the post and for the kind shout out. I appreciate you.
Nancy, I couldn't agree more -- women are coming together in a more unified way and it's powerful. The feeling of hope in the air is undeniable and like you, I am ready to see our first woman president. May we continue to stand in the light of truth and speak it. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Thank you for reminding us of these visionary women and their audacious insistence of living their spirituality--in the 13th century! What amazing models they are still. I feel much more optimistic now with a presidential candidate about whom I can say proudly, "She's with me." Yes!
She's with me and I'm with her. And like you, Susan, the feeling of optimism is one that I was so ready for. . . well, me and just about everyone else I know. It's like the sun came out. Big hugs.
The empowerment of love... yes and yes and yes!
Yes and amen -- so proud to stand with you as an advocate and an activist for the power of love and goodwill, Jude.
Fascinating. And I, too, believe we are in a time ripe for a woman leader named Kamala. My bumper sticker: "I am woman. Watch me vote."
If I saw you driving by with that bumper sticker, I'd wave and give you two thumbs up! And I'd do it with joy in my heart.
Inspiring. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Sending good wishes and goodwill. . .
Recommending When God Was a Woman by Merlin Stone. There was a time....and it can be now, too.
Thank you for the great recommendation, Julia and the encouragement for all - "There was a time... and it can be now, too."
Love unruly women! Thank you, Stephanie!
Here's to unruly women -- back at ya! Cheers. May we continue to rise.
I love this post, Stephanie! I didn't know about the Beguines, and I love your points throughout, including "The heroines who were the Beguines dared to answer the calling of their hearts and be in service to human kind. In the face of domination they rose up, not with the sword but with the empowerment of love. They stand behind us now, their hands on our shoulders, encouraging us to move forward." I also think of Kamala Harris as part of this history. She wants what is best for this country.
Thank you for the reminder about history having prominent women who did good, in spite of all the obstacles. By the way, I now have Tatar's book on my to-read list.
Thank you so much for the shout-out. I so appreciate you!
You're going to love Tatar's book. So many stories to help guide us through these times.
Thanks so much for the mention!
Always a pleasure, Julia. I have great admiration for your work.
Heartfelt thanks, Stephanie.
Thank you!
With a sincere, "you're welcome." Big hugs.
Ireland has a long tradition of 'uppity' women like the Beguines, including in Cork City, an amazing museum (and one of Cork's best cafes!), on the site of the convent founded by the innovator, rebel nun and educator of poor children, Nano Nagle. https://nanonagleplace.ie/the-story-of-nano-nagle/
I wondered if you were aware of the fabulous Substack too @15thcenturyfeminist which reminds us that not ALL of the women of history are/were 'anon' and, like your piece, that women have been resisting patriarchy in order to do good in the world for a very long time! Thank you for this lovely essay, broadening my mind and opening my heart today.
Thank you for the link and for the Substack suggestion. As always, Jody, I'm grateful to have found you and your work. Here's to uppity women!