I saw an amazing documentary yesterday that I just had to share with you. It was called “Pray the Devil Back to Hell,” and it’s about the women of Liberia who helped bring about change to their war torn country. The producer is Abigail Disney, great-granddaughter of Walt Disney.I saw it as part of a girls’ leadership summit for which I volunteered as a member of the Junior League. The film was powerful, disturbing, sad, joyous and hopeful. Again, it was something that made me count the many blessings in my life. I went home and hugged my babies and thanked God that I was born in this country, with the ways and means available to me. But, it also made me think about the power that women have and to see how we can affect change. I wish more of that took place in this country. We are strong. We are the mothers and the caretakers. We are smart. We are the peacemakers. I look at the women in Liberia who brought about change to their country after years of war, killing, rape and other unspeakable acts. Through it all, the country eventually elected the first female president. These women were in a position where there was nothing left to lose and they were, literally, fighting for their lives and the lives of their families.
I look at the resources many of us women have this country, knowing we could do so much, yet so few women hold office and we have yet to elect a female president. I felt compelled to do something, but I’m still struggling to figure out what that something is (keep in mind this was yesterday afternoon – still taking all of this in!). So, that’ll be weighing on my mind. Would love to hear from you, dear readers, about how you, as women, think we can affect change in our society, whether through education, childcare, healthcare, so on. And, if you are a male reader, I’d like to hear from you as well. I know, heavy question for a Monday. Sorry! :)
Have a great week! Five more days until tailgating in Lexington for the UK/UofL game. Can’t wait!
Image courtesy of "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" documentary
5 comments:
Sounds like an amazing documentary and an important one for us all to view. There are many ways to help, if you find the right organization. You could host a dinner party to raise money or do a clothing drive (online even). Good for you, this sounds like a wonderful cause.
it is so heartbreaking that all that some people have done wrong in life is come out of the wrong womb- my mother teaches at a high poverty school and some of the stories just about break your heart.
you know, being in JL is just the ticket- we do what we can with our resources in our communities to make things a bit better.
kHm
Working in healthcare in an urban environment, I wonder every day about how people are chosen for certain life circumstances, as some of them are beyond unfair. While many women have varying POVs regarding politics, one thing we should always be aware of is the ability we have to change the lives of those around us and those around the world. My beliefs surrounding healthcare vary wildly from so many I know, but I live it and breath it every day. Many will never know the true joy of preventative medicine and the lives it can save vs using the ER as a place of primary care. I would say find your passion in helping and google it. See if there is anything out there that exists, and if it doesn't find something similar or ask your JL to start something. I have decided to sponsor a child in Guatamala through Hearts in Motion (my aunt volunteers through them) and eventually do health care clinics with them at least once a year. It is my way of providing care to children who are thrilled for everything you do. Keep us updated on what you choose to do. Blogging is such a great forum for empowering this type of thing, and I'd love to hear more!!
I'll put the documentary on my 'must' see list. The power of one can be amazing...one person can make a difference.
I found this quote and tucked it away...so I'll share it today.
"The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity."
~Margaret D. Nadauld
Thanks for such thought-provoking commentary and wonderful words. We can make a difference.
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