As women in the United States we can give thanks for the progress that has been made in women’s rights and opportunities. My maternal grandmother and paternal great-grandmothers immigrated to Michigan from Finland. With great effort they raised families while managing subsistence farms. My paternal grandmother wanted to go to elementary school but was needed at home.
I am thankful for these women!
My opportunities are much greater than theirs were. I have benefited from their sacrifices.
I recently finished reading I Came a Stranger: The Story of a Hull-House Girl*. Hilda Satt Polachek came to the United States from Poland as a child. Within two years her of family’s arrival, her father died. Hilda’s mother was faced with raising the family in a new country. Hilda went to work in a knitting factory at the age of thirteen to help support the family. She received help and encouragement from the Hull House women.
In the United States we have made great progress, and we need to acknowledge this. Women have equal rights and opportunities.
Currently more young women are going to college than young men. Click here for the research.
I am thankful for God’s word and the assurance that He loves me, a woman. Jesus demonstrated his respect, his concern and his equal treatment of women.
I am thankful for my church and the freedom to worship that we have in the United States. Many women in the world do not have this freedom or the same opportunities.
Gratitude leads to a sense of joy.
Psalm 34 has some verses of praise and thanksgiving.
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be continually in my mouth. I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34: 1,4
What can you give thanks for?
*Hilda Satt Polacheck edited by Dena Polacheck Epstein, I Came a Stranger: The Story of a Hull-House Girl, University of Illinois Press, 1989
UPDATE 3/7/2020: As I give thanks for God’s love and design for women, I realize that many women are abused. The reality of human trafficking became clear as I read The Third Daughter by Talia Career. How can this evil be stopped? My review of this book is here.
This post is shared with Anita’s Inspire Me Monday
While it’s so true we have made tremendous strides, there’s still a lot of work to be done. I’ve been watching old episodes of Perry Mason while I run on the treadmill, and I can see in black and white how much attitudes towards women have changed (and some have stayed the same). May we always try to love better and do more for our fellow humans!
I enjoy reading books and learning about life in a time I did not live. So thankful for all the women who have worked hard and loved well and sacrificed for us and their children.
Wow! That rendition of Psalm 34 is stunning and really touched my heart today. Thanks so much for linking up at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
Tina
Carol, isn’t it amazing how we can enjoy so many opportunities today because of the sacrifices of our ancestors? In the same way we are paving the way for our daughters to follow. This is both a great honour and a great responsibility and I’m grateful that we have the chance to make a difference for them. Blessings to you!