No Stopping a Woman Once Her Voice is Found!

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When women say in disgust, "I am not a feminist," I cringe at their lack of gratitude. Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave American women the constitutional right to vote. It was a hard-earned victory.

All of us benefit from the tremendous sacrifices of the feminists who marched through the pages of history so that we can chart our course today. As the suffragettes fought for equality, they were physically and emotionally abused. I understand why some would prefer not to get involved in such messy work. But young women today are sitting on the shoulders of a previous generation that dared to challenge the status quo. Feminists deserve our gratitude, not our hostility.

Remarkably, the Gospel portrays Jesus as a radical feminist who defied social norms by showing respect to women.Though women were considered property like cattle at the time, Jesus stopped to talk, heal and defend them. It was scandalous, and Jesus didn't give a hoot. He cared about love, justice and releasing God's children from the bondage of oppression. We are called to continue his work, and we have a lot of work to do.  

I recently wrote this poem after a medical professional addressed me as "girl" several times in a brief conversation. I am not usually offended by the term, but his dismissive tone was infuriating. "Girl, don't worry about that." After the third time, I asked, "Do you call male patients, 'boy'?" He stared at me blankly as if to say, "Oh, you are one of those women."

Whether we march in protest for social justice or politely ask a doctor to check his language, we are called to use our voices so others have a chance fulfill their God-given dreams.



Don’t Call Me Girl!


“Why get a degree just to hang on a wall?”  

They’ll hire a mediocre man after all.  

“You’re pretty and sweet. You will be a great wife.”

I’m glad I ignored him and enrolled for a life.

He borrowed my notes then he skipped the class, 

I quietly laughed when he didn’t pass.  


He took what he wanted. He said no goodbye. 

The emptiness yawned and it swallowed my cries. 

I didn’t believe I could make it on my own.

I stayed with him cause I feared the unknown.

In a terrible void with no color, no light. 

I found the space where creation takes flight.  


Excuse me, it’s clear you have misunderstood.

I wasn’t born just to make men feel good.  

I’ll live for my dreams and I’ll chart my own course. 

Don’t call me a girl, I’m a strong steady force. 

I’m stronger than I look and I won’t back down.

No stopping a woman once her voice is found.


Be twice as good as a man so they say

And you’ll get a good job but for just half the pay. 

Come early. Bring donuts. Brew coffee. Make cake.

Then I cover up all his stupid mistakes.  

So I greeted and typed. Did my job and more, 

Kept workin’ hard to find the next open door.  


Excuse me, it’s clear you have misunderstood.  

I wasn’t born just to make men feel good.  

I’ll live for my dreams and I’ll chart my own course. 

Don’t call me a girl, I’m a bold massive force

I’m stronger than I look and I won’t back down.

No stopping a woman once her voice is found.


I swirled away when his hand grabbed my ass.  

I laughed at his jokes, and ignored the pass. 

He wants coffee with cream and a side of sex.

I’ve got something better — quick wit, intellect.

My soul could have died in the filth of his lust, 

So I turned. I twirled. I escaped his thrust.  


Excuse me, it’s clear you have misunderstood. 

I wasn’t born just to make men feel good.  

I’ll live for my dreams and I’ll chart my own course. 

Don’t call me a girl, I’m a fierce f@#%*king, 

I’m stronger than I look and I won’t back down.

No stopping a woman once her voice is found.


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