“The Lord God is my strength, and he will make
my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To
the chief singer on my stringed instruments.”-- Habakkuk 3:19 (KJV)
Empowerment
is more critical than ever in this hectic time. So many voices combine to show
us the darkest places in the world, and in ourselves. For that reason, everyone
needs to grab a ray of hope when and where they can.
This is my
fourth article on Biblical and historical females who beat the odds. Please see
the other writings here,
here,
and here.
Mary Magdalene
There are
many theories about her place in Jesus’ life. It’s beyond the scope of this
article to explore them. The Bible only shows us that she was the most
prominent female disciple.
She was in
His inner circle. Mary even followed Jesus into the dangerous region of
Galilee--where Herod ruled. She continually put herself in harm’s way, the same
as any male follower of Christ.
Mary
Magdalene may also have been the “Mary” to whom Christ first appeared
post-Resurrection. That event would bump up the lady’s importance.
U.S. First Ladies (President’s wives)
Women in
this position need amazing determination and resilience. They stand by the side of some of the world’s
top leaders. These trailblazers somehow find the energy to follow their own
passion. Many are activists and politicians in their own right.
The rest of
this writing will focus on the wives of two recent Presidents. Following those
accounts, please read the poem below written by my sister, Roz Udall. This is
her first try at poetry, which can be tricky, but she did a wonderful job. She
has never been intimidated by difficulties before, and she’s not going to start
now!
Jacqueline
Kennedy Onassis (Jackie O.)--July 28, 1929-May 19, 1994
Wife of John Fitzgerald Kennedy
(JFK), 35th President of the United States
She set the
bar high for sophistication. Her husband was busy battling the spread of
communism. His personal life was also far from perfect. Jackie must have felt
consistently disrespected and neglected. What did this classy lady do?
- Didn’t gossip to the media
- Kept her fashion-icon image, which has survived over five decades
Mrs. Kennedy
showed the country how to put on a brave face and weather storms. Her inner
strength could not be dimmed. That’s an important lesson to pass on.
Betty Ford--April 18, 1918-July 8, 2011
Wife of Gerald Ford, 38th President
of the United States
Betty was the
opposite of Jackie. She wouldn’t stay quiet about anything. She was more open
than any other First Lady. Mrs. Ford championed many hot-button social issues,
especially those relevant to women.
This
President’s wife opened up about her own breast cancer, addiction, and
substance abuse. She used her own brokenness to advocate for others. The brave
lady founded and chaired the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse and
addiction. This clinic is still in operation.
************************************************
CURRANT AFFAIRS
Royal Palm
Tree, “little slice of paradise!”
Prestigious, towering above the crowd, requires full
sun.
Shallow roots won’t break through roads or
sidewalks.
Currant Bush. Medium size shrub with versatile
berries:
Piquant, glossy, sweet-savory,
salads-desserts, cordial, champagne
Must be severely pruned and dunged.
Jackie-O was like a royal palm tree,
lithe, beautiful, towering above all,
limned with
sunlight, elegance personified.
Channel, Cassini, and matching accessories.
Handsome, powerful husband; beautiful children.
White house redone as a reflection of her
perfection.
Camelot they described her kingdom.
We all wanted to be Jackie.
Later foraging behind the facade revealed hidden
pain,
betrayal, infidelity, ladies in waiting, plotting,
jealousy, death.
Stagecraft: shallow, non-invasive root system
Betty was a currant bush grown tall and woody,
berry-less.
Susceptible to disease, withering in dry soil, out
of her element.
Stumbling,
Retreating into forgetfulness.
Pain seared.
Depressed.
Children raised by others; embarrassed by her
pathos.
Husband escaping through Presidential duties.
Dick and Don demanding a tree, did not appreciate
currant berries,
expected smiles and nods.
Trying to comply, she had grown into a tall and
woody bush.
Tall like a tree, but missing its richness, its
fecundity.
Pruned and fertilized,
Betty, the First Lady, became fruitful, plucky.
Honest
She spoke aloud:
BREAST cancer.
ALCOHOLISM
DRUG ADDICTION
She would not be silenced.
Her ripening fruit produced a political
constituency:
“Keep Betty in the White House.”
BREASTS became more than thinly concealed sex
objects.
Mammograms became widespread.
Depression less frightening,
less
isolating.
Addictions less scornful.
Jackie sensed
the slavering wolves waiting outside her door.
She grew tall and aloof to keep them at bay.
Betty invited the wolves in, ran with them, became
the Alpha wolf.
Regal palm or humble currant bush?
Appearances can be deceiving.
Jackie’s image was calculated to be legendary.
Betty’s candor was unwittingly revolutionary.
Perfection and confession
continuing their implacable engagement on social
media.
Let history be the judge.
By Roz Udall
My Conclusion
Some people
serve others by sharing lessons gained from their challenges. Others are more
reserved; they demonstrate strength in silence. The strongest individuals
refuse to stay in the tiny boxes society attempts to force on all of us.
There are
many ways to go against the norm. Boundaries can be broken with any number of
tools.
Related Posts
How
have you moved forward through pain?
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