Jemma's Tales
The Voice Of A Woman
September 17, 2018
Have you ever felt invisible as a woman? Do you remember when, why, or what made you feel that way? I have felt invisible as a woman more times than I care to even admit. There have been many times I felt like I was operating in the dark. I knew, that I knew more than I was permitted to share in order to keep harmony. As I write this I cannot fathom that I navigated through life like this. I believe that all women, each and every single one of us is designed perfectly by our Heavenly Father to do great things. But in order to accomplish great things we must speak up. Silence is not tolerated. So in honor of all women; those women who surround me now and those of you who have forged ahead of me, I write this from my heart for you.
Do you see the shoulder of an invisible woman in this photo?
You see I am way past invisibility now, that young gal got left behind several lifetimes ago. The gift of age has brought me visibility, and a voice... and of course wrinkles. But I feel it's a pretty fair trade. So just maybe this is why I felt so angry earlier in the day.
While Sadie and I were out for our morning walk we were both nearly struck by a car. We saw the vehicle approaching so we moved all the way over to the very edge of the asphalt road. ( this is a two lane road) As the vehicle got closer it sped up and veered toward to us. We jumped off into the grass.
I asked Sadie "Are we invisible?"
Am I just a hat? Am I an invisible woman?
So you know me well enough by now that this got me to thinking and knowing that I must share this with you. I need to speak up. Women need to speak up. We must be our own advocates.
First I was mad. I was so mad. I was steaming, sweating, huffing, puffing mad. In fact I was so mad that I walked an extra mile just to find the vehicle that forced us off the road and wrote down the license plate number.
I told Sadie, " this is just so wrong Sadie, what is wrong with our society when a person can't even slow down for a woman and her dog and nearly run them right over."
Sadie just looked at me and shook her head too. Both of us were very mad now.
So I thought to myself society might not see me. But I sure bet they'll look at art, a beautiful plate, some flowers and maybe even my dog.
We must not, cannot be invisible women. It is our responsibility to one another to be the voice, the power, the love, the community which encourages and nurtures. With joyful hearts we need to be promoting creativty, intelligence, inner-strength, healthy mindset and curiosity among us all, at all ages, all seasons, all walks of life.
About a year ago I met this incredible woman who is an advocate for all women. So, I will simply say this. I have been blessed. I was blessed to share a few hours with Amy Poehler, as she genuinely encouraged me as a Maker, and most of all as a woman.
Today I am sharing with you her Smart Girls organization. While this uplifting organization is specifically dedicated to young people, it speaks volumes to us all.
Live with strength, courage, and a voice that resonates long after you have moved on.
XOXOX
Do you see the shoulder of an invisible woman in this photo?
You see I am way past invisibility now, that young gal got left behind several lifetimes ago. The gift of age has brought me visibility, and a voice... and of course wrinkles. But I feel it's a pretty fair trade. So just maybe this is why I felt so angry earlier in the day.
While Sadie and I were out for our morning walk we were both nearly struck by a car. We saw the vehicle approaching so we moved all the way over to the very edge of the asphalt road. ( this is a two lane road) As the vehicle got closer it sped up and veered toward to us. We jumped off into the grass.
I asked Sadie "Are we invisible?"
Am I just a hat? Am I an invisible woman?
So you know me well enough by now that this got me to thinking and knowing that I must share this with you. I need to speak up. Women need to speak up. We must be our own advocates.
First I was mad. I was so mad. I was steaming, sweating, huffing, puffing mad. In fact I was so mad that I walked an extra mile just to find the vehicle that forced us off the road and wrote down the license plate number.
I told Sadie, " this is just so wrong Sadie, what is wrong with our society when a person can't even slow down for a woman and her dog and nearly run them right over."
Sadie just looked at me and shook her head too. Both of us were very mad now.
So I thought to myself society might not see me. But I sure bet they'll look at art, a beautiful plate, some flowers and maybe even my dog.
We must not, cannot be invisible women. It is our responsibility to one another to be the voice, the power, the love, the community which encourages and nurtures. With joyful hearts we need to be promoting creativty, intelligence, inner-strength, healthy mindset and curiosity among us all, at all ages, all seasons, all walks of life.
About a year ago I met this incredible woman who is an advocate for all women. So, I will simply say this. I have been blessed. I was blessed to share a few hours with Amy Poehler, as she genuinely encouraged me as a Maker, and most of all as a woman.
Today I am sharing with you her Smart Girls organization. While this uplifting organization is specifically dedicated to young people, it speaks volumes to us all.
"Founded by artist Amy Poehler and producer Meredith Walker, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls organization is dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves. We emphasize intelligence and imagination over “fitting in.” We celebrate curiosity over gossip. We are a place where people can truly be their weird and wonderful selves. We are funny first, and informative second, hosting the party you want to attend."
Live with strength, courage, and a voice that resonates long after you have moved on.
XOXOX
Jemma, I'm so happy that you and Sadie were not hurt and I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'm wondering was this the drivers intention to force you off the road or was the driver distracted and didnt notice you? I have had similar incidents of wondering if I'm invisible on the road, near collisions, almost rear-ended, etc while driving. It's certainly frightening when it happens and maddening when you stop to think about it. I'm glad you got the license plate #....yes we need to advocate for ourselves! I'll check out Amy's organization. Sounds like a great cause! Take care, sending love and hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Linda for the caring words. Perhaps the man was looking at his phone or whatever. We just don't know anymore how much anyone pays attention to what they are doing and that includes driving a car!
ReplyDeleteJemma,
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! I hope something comes from you reporting the license plate of the person who ran you and Sadie off the road. Oh, yes, I have been made to feel invisible, BECAUSE I am a woman, more than once in my life. One of the first times was when I was single, working two jobs to make ends meet. I was teaching part-time as a first-year teacher, and had to work a second job at a large well-known department store in the Washington, DC area. As an employee, I received a very nice discount on store purchases, and was offered a credit card. I took out the credit card and made my payments on time for the year I worked there. Then when I was getting married, I put in my resignation. At my exit interview, I requested to roll over my employee credit card to a regular credit card. The personnel representative told me I could not have a credit card in my name. Since I was getting married, my new husband would have to apply for a credit card in his name, and IF HE ALLOWED IT AND REQUESTED ONE FOR ME, the store would issue a second card in his name and authorize me to use it. My response, "No, thank you. I do not need a credit card from this store." I swore I would never have a credit card from that store. Invisible! Because I was a married woman. That was the first of several inequities I endured as a married woman who had been on her own, making a living and paying her own bills for 3 years... in the seat of our American justice system... the capital of the United States of America.
Judith
Amen Sister! Now tell me, what did you do about the car? I bet the driver was texting and didn't see you!
ReplyDeleteLet's talk about this.
Sending you a virtual high five!
ReplyDelete❤️ you!
So sorry to read about this.
ReplyDeleteSo many drivers still use their phones at the wheel, it's a disgrace!
All the best Jan
I'm so happy you and Sadie weren't hurt, Jemma. I do think that some drivers are aggressive or distracted. I would definitely report the driver to your local law enforcement so they will get a warning which may possibly make them be more careful behind the wheel.
ReplyDeleteI think women still have a long fight ahead for equality in this country and the world. We need to keep up the struggle to be treated with dignity and equality. I will check out Amy's Smart Girls website
Jemma, I'm so sorry this happened to you this morning. That's scary. The roads are truly scary, and around lunch time there is always heavy traffic, which I try to avoid. I wonder what he was thinking when this happened? Thank you for your words of encouragement for us women, and I'm glad you and Sadie are alright, and it's good that you got her out of harms' way, as it could have been worse. Thank you for sharing your story, Jemma, and I will check out the Smart Girls link right now.
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
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ReplyDelete