When I think of Mother Teresa, I picture a woman who was very slight of build, physically, but incredibly powerful and influential throughout the world. Her strength was inspirational, and I would dare say, probably a bit intimidating to anyone who didn’t share her passion for service.
She is the epitome of a strong woman, but not the way popular culture tries to define strength today. In a misguided attempt to “empower women” girls are encouraged to put themselves first. A recent campaign made it fashionable to encourage girls to be bossy. They said that when adults correct a young girl who is being bossy, they are just teaching girls to be submissive to men. Really?
Let me be completely honest right now. I was a bossy little girl at times. I am so grateful that my parents and other adults in my life taught me to be kinder. It’s not submissive to treat each other with respect and kindness. If we continue to encourage that bossiness in young girls, we’re just going to be a society full of mean women.
And Mother Teresa is the shining example. She might be the strongest woman on earth in my lifetime, but her strength didn’t derive from an authoritarian manipulation of those around her. On the contrary, her authority grew from her genuine love and service to the poorest of the poor. World leaders respected her work and listened to her. Seriously, how many tiny little nuns get invited to speak to the United Nations General Assembly?
We all know those “strong” women who bully everyone around them and push their ways through life. Well that is not who I aspire to be. I would like to be authoritative, not authoritarian. I want to earn the reputation of strength by virtue of strong character, not overbearing personality.
As my daughter was nearing adolescence, I wanted to ensure that she would grow up to be a strong independent woman. I made the decision to accomplish that by setting high expectations for her and teaching her to take responsibility for herself as much as possible. At the same time, I tried to teach her to be kind and compassionate. I certainly never approved when she started to get bossy. Well I am proud of the woman she is today. I think she can be a force to be reckoned with when necessary, but she is compassionate and kind.
Lord, we admire the strength that Mother Teresa showed throughout her life, and we strive to mimic that strength in our own lives, as well. Please help us to be strong in our commitment to spread Your love, and strong in our dedication to serving Your people, and strong in our persistence to follow Your way.