Walking in women's shoes......What we are dealing with

These past years have been stressful and exhausting in so many areas. We have been dealing with so many problems all at once, like COVID 19, natural disasters, uncontrollable forest fires, social distancing, mass shootings, terrorist attacks, hate crimes, racism, and senseless killings. Women have also been dealing with violence against them and facing denigration without shame and disrespect every day. Many women are being harassed daily, and this behavior is being diminished and condoned. Most of us cannot go out without being bothered by stupid comments about our bodies, our clothes, or even our looks. The worse thing is that we are not being attacked only by men, but women too. The competition between some women is ruthless and relentless. It is terrifying for me as a mom to see the world in which my daughters are growing up.

Even that I’m terrified, I am trying to do my part by setting some standards for my daughters and teaching them they should not conform with less than what they deserve. I’m teaching them that it is not okay to let someone harass them, that it is not okay to be treated like trash, nor to be insulted in any way. I have also been teaching them that they should not be held accountable for the depravity or perversion of others. Unfortunately, victims are constantly revictimized and judged because of the cruel and depraved actions of other people. For example, a raped woman gets attacked and criticized because of how she dressed, how she walks or talks, like if those things were an open door for any man to feel entitled to attack her or do whatever they want with her.

No, this has to stop. I’m tired of all the excuses people make in favor of the assailant. It makes me nauseous when I hear comments like, she asked for it, that girl got what she wanted, that lady was looking for trouble, what was she thinking? , why did she invite him over? All of this nonsense has to stop. No woman walks out the door thinking, oh today I want to be raped, today I want to be attacked, today I want to be kidnaped, today I’m looking for someone to say hurtful or say nasty things to me, or today I want someone to treat me like a sexual object. NO, nobody has the right to make you feel uncomfortable or make you feel less. You deserve better.

I want my daughters to know how they should be cared for by others. A woman should be treated better than we treat our shoes. We should be treated with care, love and should be treasured and appreciated. I want them to recognize the difference between respect and manipulation. To be aware that they are capable of significant things beyond having a family or satisfying all the whims of others. I want them to learn that they don’t have to endure mistreatment or abuse just because they want to be with someone. I want them to be women of God; that see themselves through God’s eyes and that find their value through Him. I want them to know that they are loved. And I want them to know they don’t need a man by their side to feel complete, that In Christ they are completed.

I also want them to know that instead of criticizing or attacking another woman, they should be supportive and help each other conquer greatness. I want them to know that the only competition should be with themselves, that they must always try to be their better selves.

There’s enough room in this world for all of us queens, and we should never trample or steal another woman’s shoes.