Blessed International Women’s Day!

March 8th, 2007 |By Marvia Lawes in: Gender Issues |

May International Women’s Day 2007 be an inspiring one for you as we focus on the theme…..

Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls

By His Wounds You Have Been Healed
1 Peter 2:24

O God,
through the image of a woman
crucified on the cross
I understand at last.

For over half of my life
I have been ashamed
of the scars I bear.
These scars tell an ugly story,
a common story,
about a girl who is the victim
when a man acts out his fantasies.

In the warmth, peace and sunlight of your presence
I was able to uncurl the tightly clenched fists.
For the frst time
I felt your suffering presence with me
in that event.

I have known you as a vulnerable baby,
as a brother, and as a father.
Now I know you as a woman.
You were there with me
as the violated girl
caught in the helpless suffering.

The chains of shame and fear
no longer bind my heart and body.
A slow fire of compassion and forgiveness is kindled.
My teas fall now
for man as well as woman.

You, God,
can make our violated bodies
vessels of love and comfort
to such a desperate man.
I am honoured
to carry this womanly power
within my body and soul.

You were not ashamed of your wounds.
You showed them to Thomas
as marks of your ordeal and death.
I will no longer hide these wounds of mine.
I will bear them gracefully.
They will tell a Resurrection story.

[Anonymous, From Prayers, Poems, Songs & Stories. Ecumenical Decade 1988-1998. Churches in Solidarity With Women, WCC Publications, Geneva.]

Be strong on International Women’s Day and beyond…

Grace and Peace to you,
Marvia

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One Response to “Blessed International Women’s Day!”

  1. dberry Says:
    March 11th, 2007 at 1:06 am

    Im happy for this years theme as in as much as we advocate God’s grace and mercy for all and true freedom that can be found in Christ, people are still accountable for their actions. Actions of violence against women and girls should not be ignored or accepted and accountability for these actions is necessary.

    Blessings
    Derri

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