There are women who qualify as true heroines. Centuries ago, Esther dared to ask the king to spare the lives of her people. Some 100 years ago, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott fought for women’s right to vote. Sixty years ago, Rosa Parks refused to move back. We can admire and be inspired by these women, sharing their stories with our daughters.
We might say of ourselves, “I am not the type to change the world.” But is this true? Perhaps changing the world need not be dramatic. Perhaps it is the steady faithfulness of raising children who are sure of your love for them and who care for others. Perhaps it is the extra effort it takes to eat local, or turn off the lights, or put the best construction on everything, or work together for the great good. Perhaps it is the resilience it takes to be hopeful. As evidenced by the baby who grew up to be Jesus, many small things can, and do, change the world.
How will you equip yourself today for this challenge? Center yourself deeply in God’s love.
This message was adapted from “Change the World” by Catherine Malotky that appeared in the April 2009 issue of Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather) magazine.