Grateful Women

I stand on a ribbon of time, I can turn my head and see the women from my past. The women who pulled handcarts across the plains for a new life. And I can turn to my left and see ahead, my daughters and grand-daughters, I can see them free to be whatever they choose. I can imagine them using their gifts to comfort, serve, and lift humanity.

I stand and witness the journey of my family of women. Some came to this country with nothing, owing a debt for their transportation. Some were educated women from the eastern United States, who taught others to read and write. In my lifetime, I have seen women included in sports, journalism, business, and political leadership.

My mother was the first woman in her family to get a college degree. Now I witness my sister and I as college graduates, and my daughters. Some things once impossible, are possible now. The more we empower women, the greater the generations of man will be.

May we dwell in gratitude,

May it ever be before us.

May we never cease praising the Lord,

May we constantly remember our blessings.

And as we do that, we shall

See anew the sacrifices of our ancestors.

The sacrifices of our parents,

The sacrifices of our God.

We will be filled with joy,

That we have received such.

Although unworthy, perhaps all

Combined are enough.

By feeling grateful, we see grace.

(Photo: by Jerry Jacobs of Carma Jacobs 1953)