A Strong Woman

Earlier this year, after a series of frustrating interactions with a colleague, I learned something about myself: I have a very strong bias against women who I perceive to be weak.  In fact, there are few things that frustrate me more.  I think this stems from, at least in part, the fact that I was raised by the strongest of women.

This week was a masterclass in physical, mental, and spiritual strength.  My Mom faced great physical pain, extremely difficult news, and a life-altering situation, and she did it all with the class and fortitude of a woman who has been through the refiner's fire many times and always come out stronger.  I was blessed to be by her side for the past several days.  I slept in the hospital and stayed near her bedside in the hopes of serving her, offering her comfort, and tending to her needs.  However, she provided the bigger service by reminding me how strong women like her face life's greatest challenges: with grace, humor, and trust in the Lord.