A real and profound woman, she moves through the world with a sense of confidence and grace. Her once reckless spirit now tempered by wisdom. Quietly, yet firmly, she speaks her truth without doubt or hesitation and the life she leads is of her own creation. She now understands what it means to live and let live. How much to ask for herself and how much to give. She has a strong, yet generous heart and the inner beauty she emanates truly sets her apart. Like the mythical Phoenix, she has risen from the ashes and soared to a new plane of existence, unfettered by the things that once that posed such resistance. Her senses now heightened, she sees everything so clearly. She hears the wind rustling through the trees; beckoning her to live the dreams she holds so dearly. She feels the softness of her hands and muses at the strength that they possess. Her needs and desires she has learned to express. She has tasted the bitter and savored the sweet fruits of life, overcome adversity and pushed past heartache and strife. And the one thing she never understood, she now knows to be true, that it all begins and ends with you.
March is Women’s History Month, and many across this city, county and state will host programs that offer positive, empowering messages for women. From body image, to relationships, from leadership to health issues, from women’s safety to self-defense—a woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.
West Park, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, we pay tribute to the lives of countless real and profound women who have made great sacrifices, embarked upon meaningful endeavors, and torn down historic barriers of prejudice. Confucius once said, “Study of the past if you would define the future”. As women pioneering the future it is imperative that we study the incredible women of our past.
From the undaunted courage of Amelia Earhart and the unrelenting fortitude of Susan B. Anthony to the unquenchable spirit of Annie Oakley and the quiet strength of Rosa Parks, our nation’s past holds a great wealth of real and profound women heroes who inspire us and provide us with examples of how to make a difference.
As a woman in a political career, I have benefitted greatly from the example set by many impressive real and profound women. I am cognizant of the fact that the fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world. I am even more convinced that the influence of an army of godly women is and will always be incalculable—in our homes, our churches, our culture, our community and in the world. For there is in every real and profound woman’s heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.
Many may question—why is Women’s History Month important?
And my answer to that is….Women’s history isn’t just about women or for women—it’s an important part of understanding history as a whole.
Real and profound women have played an important role in West Park’s history (Mary Saunders and Susie Daniels-to name a few), helping to shape our laws and culture to what it is today. Progress has not come easily— women have had to fight for their rights, including the right to go to school, to own property, to earn and keep their wages, to have a say in forming laws, and to vote in elections, also known as suffrage.
For many of you, I know you have your own personal story of the women who have encouraged and helped you in your life and career. And I believe that we have a responsibility to continue that cycle and to do our part to foster and encourage the careers and development of the next generation of women leaders. We must commit to give them critical messages that will challenge, empower and motivate them. We must show them that a real and profound woman is true to herself. She will always hold her head up high. She doesn’t waddle in pity; or sit back and cry. She is a survivor- standing on her own feet with God by her side, knowing that she can’t be beat.
We must show them that a real and profound woman has courage; she always has spunk and grace. Even when she’s down, she has a smile upon her face. She lifts her sister up when others may tear her down. A real and profound woman will make it. A real and profound woman will excel. A real and profound woman will keep on striving, whether she wins or fails.
Lastly, women’s history is important because the progress of a real and profound woman is a path that we must chart – a path that has its foundation and beginnings in the richness of the past and its future in the efforts of each of us. We must renew our commitment to charting that course and embark boldly on our work pioneering the future. For we must always remember, that the eyes of the future are looking back at us and praying for us to see behind our own time.
West Park let’s celebrate all the real and profound women of the past, present and the future! All of us, no matter how big or how small, whether male or female — we all owe our lives to a woman. I encourage you to learn more about the real and profound women in history and take advantage of the events planned throughout the rest of this month that will recognize the sacrifices, past achievements, and ongoing contributions made by women to the history and heritage of our great country, our state, our county and most importantly our beloved city.
Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 889-4164 or email fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.
