Hear Me Roar?

 “I am woman, hear me roar, in numbers to big to ignore” If you are a menopausal woman, you remember 1975 and Helen Reddy’s HUGE  top 10 hit. Nowadays, in the midst of hot flashes, chin hair, and joint pain, my ROAR  is a little more feeble, maybe more like a croak:)  But don’t worry- it is still LOUD! The 60’s and 70’s in America, were a crazy, volatile time.  In the 60’s we saw 3 public figures assassinated, including a president.  In ‘68 we saw two African American Olympians turn the Olympics into a racial issue, let alone the  civil rights movement  happening all through the 60’s and 70’s. It seems during those times we needed change and reform.  Definitely we did in the area of racial equality.  On the heels of all that- came Gloria Steinem, and the Women’s Liberation Movement.   Helen Reddy’s number one song came during the International Year of Woman, 1975.  Check out this video of her performing this song.  Pay close attention to the backup dancers- that is who I wish I was:)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUBnxqEVKlk

It was a confusing time for those of us growing up.  Was it OK to be sexually promiscuous?  During this time many like Steinem spoke vehemently against the objectification of women, but at the same time, Playboy magazine was on the rise, and sexual freedom ran rampant. The slogan for my 1973 high school graduating class was “we like love and sex free, ‘cause we’re the class of 73”  I KNOW! What in the Cat Hair? Gross.  Heading into adulthood, we all were wondering, should we stay at home and raise babies?  Should we get a fabulous corporate job?  What’s a girl to do??  We decided we could do it all- hear us roar!   

 

  Growing up I knew I could be a doctor, lawyer, or an Indian Chief- whatever I wanted to be.  The sky WAS the limit.  My sisters and I took off to college ready to conquer the world! ROAR!

Nowadays, even though it is still a little confusing, my friends and I have raised our girls to be successful, assertive women.  It’s an awesome time to be a woman, whether you are taking some time to stay at home and be with your kids, or if you have a great career outside of the home.   I LOVE March Madness!  I follow and am IN on Bracatology. Over the years I have especially enjoyed watching the women’s  tournament.  Since I played a little through high school and college, I identify with the players.  Yesterday, Brittney Griner, the mega star who plays for Baylor  (GO BEARS!)  slammed down her first dunk in a NCAA tournament.  It was good, BUT - I’m just tellin ya- if I was 22 and 6 ft 7, I would have slammed that thing a lot harder!  ROAR!   Have a look and tell me what you think:

 http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Griner-dunks-in-Baylor-s-76-57-win-over-Florida-3422275.php

 On Saturday I spent the morning at target with my best 8 year old friend Kareena. I was trying to get her to understand the “roar” concept.

Me: What do you want to be when you grow up?

K: A professional ballet dancer

Me: OK that’s great but you may need a back- up in case it doesn’t work out. What about a fireman or a police officer?

K: Ms Denise!  Those jobs are for boys!

Me: Not really- girls can do them too- but what about a broadcast journalist?

K: What’s that?

Me: Its somebody who talks to people for a living.  You LOVE to talk- you would be great.

K:  Well I still want to be a ballet dancer

Me:  You might get to talk to Miley Cyrus or Justin Beiber

K: I’m in.

my ballerina buddy kareena

  Still, even in today’s world, sometimes in certain career paths, it’s hard to be a woman.  Especially in the area of Christian careers.  I believe the bible teaches women can be pastors and teachers.  You may disagree with me, but that is an argument for another day.  I think you will have to agree with me that many women are gifted in teaching biblical truths, and encouraging people to live holy lives.  There are two women that I admire greatly, who have chosen to take a traditionally male career path.  One is a pastor, and one will soon be an Old Testament Scholar, and professor.  Morgan, who is a Pastor, and Anna, who is finishing her 2^nd year of her PhD program in OT,  both have entered and thrived in these predominantly male career paths with grace and poise.  THEY are some of my heroes (or heroines)  of the Faith. Sometimes there are struggles, sometimes people raise their eyebrows.  Most of the time, people who know them cheer them on.  I am their biggest cheerleader!  You GO Girls!

Anna and Morgan at Morgan's Wedding  looking pretty feminine, even tho they can roar:)

 In the organization Tim and I have been members of for 25 years, Wycliffe Bible Translators, women’s issues are almost a non- issue. Women are translators, women are administrators, women do it all.   Have you ever thought about what happens in developing countries when the Bible is translated into indigenous languages?  Have a look at this short video to see what happened in a language group in Papua New Guinea.   Amazingly, women were empowered when scripture was translated.

http://www.wycliffe.ca/transform/gender_disparity.html

When Jesus came to this earth, he elevated the position of women greatly. If you read any pat of the gospels you will see that clearly. The roar concept was just beginning back then- Lydia ,the maker of purple was a fine businesswoman.  (Acts 16:11-15) 

Women’s/Men’s issues is a massive topic that I plan to blog about again. Women are NOT dumb blondes, but we still like high heels and romance.  Men are not beer swilling, dumb football fans that ignore their wives (like the ignorant commercials would have us believe) but many do like football.  We are different in many ways.  That is the way God made us. So go ahead and ROAR ladies- like Helen Reddy did when I was a 20 something. You might get a job as a fab back up dancer like in Helen’s video- Or you may just get to be center stage.