Girls,
I often think about the women you will grow up to be. There are so many things I hope for you. I hope you are smart. I hope you are creative and cheerful. I hope you are unapologetically yourselves and that you never stray from what makes you special. I hope you seize every moment with confidence. I hope you find opportunities and love wherever you go. I hope you fill your minds with knowledge and your lives with truth.
I hope you are happy, I hope you are successful, I hope you are influential and brave.
But…
I especially hope you are strong.
You need to be. This world is full of people who will doubt you and your abilities. You will find yourself in situations where you will have to work extra hard to get where you want to be. That’s okay because I know you have it in you. You can hurdle any barrier, you can climb any mountain. You have a great purpose. There is no doubt in my mind that you were born to do great things.
So be strong, be capable, be efficient and push your purpose everywhere you go.
But, please remember that while being strong is good, and being strong is necessary, and being strong is in your very core… being strong is not everything.
In your quest to be strong, don’t forget to stay soft.
Don’t forget that there is power in softness, there is influence in love, there is efficacy in kindness.
The world might tell you that in order to be strong, you need to push out this softness. That showing gentleness is a sign of weakness. They will tell you that being strong requires you to “get ahead” and “push past” the competition. That you should never show delicacy because it will be your downfall.
I disagree.
I think your softness is what makes you the strongest. I think your ability to be tender and gentle sets you apart. I think love is one of the most powerful tools you have. And, I pray every day that you will use it.
I’ve regretted being harsh, I’ve regretted letting someone get under my skin, I’ve regretted words said out of spite or judgment. But, I’ve never regretted showing love to another human being.
So, love with all your heart and never apologize for it. Show others compassion. Give forgiveness – you can stand up for yourself and still choose to forgive. Don’t forget that while justice levels many wrongs… mercy can bring great peace. And, the world could use more peace.
Girls, it is very important that you understand that I am not saying to back away from those who deem you unworthy. Softness does not subject you to a supporting role in this world. I expect you to fight for worthy causes and be a voice for the voiceless. I want you to cry out against injustice and stand for what’s right.
I want you to shatter all the glass ceilings!!
BUT…
I also want you to heal shattered hearts.
And, I do not believe you have to choose.
I don’t believe you have to go hard to have a place in this world. I don’t think showing a soft heart will disqualify you from having an impact. I believe you deserve a place in this world because of your goodness, in addition to your strength.
So, don’t choose. You don’t have to.
And, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
All my love,
Mom
