March is Women’s History Month. This is the one occasion that Hallmark has not capitalized on by creating greeting cards. Perhaps because cards are given for Sweetest Day and Valentine’s Day. Those two days celebrate love and being oh so sweet. Mother’s Day cards shares appreciation for the qualities motherhood represents. Women’s History Month recognizes the contribution that women have made to the world. That sounds huge. However, these women looked at what was going on in their homes, in their communities and thought about what they could do to make it better. Their actions and courage changed not only their homes, their communities, their cities, and in many cases examples spread throughout the nation, and in some cases throughout the world. These acts are so significant that there is no need for a sentimental card. The message is seen and heard.
The Theme for 2014 for Women’s History Month is Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment. I read an article by Max Lucado on how character creates courage. Character is found and nurtured from within. As you work to build your character, the courage will come to do what is important for you. He illustrates this with an Indian fable where there is a mouse who fears cats and asked to become a cat, and when he becomes a cat, he fears dogs, and asked to become a dog, the story goes on as the mouse asked to be transformed to whatever he feared in the form that he was. Finally the magician said to him that he was returning him to a mouse because no matter who he became outwardly he was still a mouse within.
Is the mouse in you holding you back from something that you want to do or somewhere you want to go? Once you find that mouse, the hardest part of the work is done and you can begin to tame that beast. Be a part of the history that you want and you can begin now. Celebrate You this month and throughout the year. Use your courage to do what needs to be done in your home and in your communities. The message will be seen and heard.