Dear Ivy,
It’s International Women’s Day today. My heart is full of love for you. Sweet and innocent. Age 3. Seeing the world as only good. Full of trust. Yesterday, as you were getting ready for school I handed you pants and a shirt. You objected saying “No! I want my dress. I want to be beautiful.” My Ivy girl… Your clothes don’t make you beautiful. The wise ones know that. I said, “You’re beautiful no matter what you wear!” Your heart, your soul, whats on the inside…
However, my babe, if pink glitter, ruffles, bows and high heels add joy to your day or life… Please do it. Don’t let the world tell you that you aren’t tough or strong because you are a feminine being. Don’t let the world tell you that you can’t drive a snowmobile with a perfect manicure. Maybe you are a girly girl. Good! Embrace that special quality that makes you a woman. Or a girl for just now. If you decide to ditch the skirts for slacks one day. That’s okay too. Just Be You.
My Ivy, don’t ever apologize for who you are. Who God made you to be. Fearless. Strong. Soft. Tender. Joyful. Delicate. Sensitive. Warm. Smart. Kind. Bold. Motherly. Brave. Adventurous. Loving. Woman.
The world will tell you how you should be sometimes. What you ought to be doing with your life, even down to how you dress. Ivy girl, don’t let the world snuff out your sparkle.
There’s times in my life when people ask me “Oh, are you working again?” Like my worth comes from a job. My answer…”Nope! Nowhere I’d rather be. Motherhood is my vocation.” My Ivy, don’t ever let the world make you feel less when you’re living out your ultimate calling. I know you’ll find it. I know you’ll succeed at it. When you’re made to do something, nothing will stop you. Remember, everyone has different things in life that they consider priorities. Or a gauge for success. You’ll never please everyone. Start with yourself. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries when people drag you down. I want peace for you. The journey is hard. But you are resilient.
Surround yourself with women who fill you up. Support you. Comfort you. Affirm you. They’re out there. Or right here. You don’t have to search too far to find the gems. Follow your heart. Your gut. Your intuition. Crush the fears. Be that beautiful, feminine human you are. The dignity of a woman. Honor it.
“Be soft. Don’t let the world make you hard. Don’t let pain make you hate. Don’t let bitterness steal your sweetness.” A quote I’ve forever loved. Never give up fighting the good fight. My daughter. You were made for more.
With all the love in my soul,
Mom
Soul Salvaged 