Have you ever read a book that changed your life?
Last January as I was considering the past year and looking toward the coming year I was trying to decide if I should cut time for reading out of my life. Reading takes time, of course. And I was trying to decide how to balance everything.
photo by Paul |
Then I came across this quote:
"You are the same today as you will be in 10 years, except for the people you meet, the books you read and the web sites you visit."
---Anonymous
and I decided I couldn't risk not reading.
Really, reading is one of the best ways I know of to broaden my perception of the world. And to change and enlarge my version of reality-which can be too narrow.
I decided to test the quote.
I have found it to be true again and again.
I just read a book that has changed how I see the world, and my place in it, forever.
The book is called, Half the Sky. It's titled from the Chinese proverb, "Women hold up half the sky."
I had to read it in small bits. Because it's overwhelming to be served so much suffering in the world as you will find in these pages.
But, it is equally soul-stretching to read the stories of triumph found therein.
Each chapter is about challenges that women face. We're talking human rights-type challenges. And social challenges. It's full of stories about REAL people. And the statistics are staggering too.
For instance: More women are dying in childbirth RIGHT NOW than in all the wars combined. About one woman every minute.
Photo by Johnathan |
I am a mother.
I have three children.
I have never lost a child due to dirty scissors being used to cut the cord.
I have never been denied medical care BECAUSE I am a WOMAN.
Did you know that if you are reading this: you and I are the exception, not the rule?
I had no idea.
My heart aches for these women-who suffer in part because they are women-not men.
There are many ways to change the world.
But mostly, we have to start right where we are standing to do it.
When you learn about so much suffering from real people you want to do something. ANYTHING. To help.
Imagine how excited I was to find that Craft Hope is doing a project RIGHT NOW to help women in Haiti! The project ships maternity kits to hospitals to help the mother and child survive childbirth. The kit includes things like hand sanitizer, clean string, a pare of latex gloves, and a few other things, including a blanket for that new baby to be cherished in.
Sometimes I look at the world and think: HOW UNFAIR. How could the world be so lopsided? How can a loving Father in Heaven stand it? I was reading this article today and it helped a little. It helped me find my place in all of this.
I can't do everything. But,
I can do something.
So my kids and I picked out some fabric for our baby blankets and bags and we're looking forward to sending them to the mothers and little babies that need them.
With Valentine's Day coming up, it seems like one way to make love real is by giving hope to someone.
If you are looking for a meaningful way to do that, I hope you join me in participating with Craft Hope!
P.S more info on how you can be a part of the Half The Sky Movement Here.
1 comment:
I'm definitely going to read that book. So much we can do for others yet so much we too can be grateful for within our own lives. I think just being aware of all that goes on outside of ourselves is the first step to actually doing something - so thanks for sharing!
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