Recently our church did a preaching series entitled, “Her Story.” Going in depth about highly impactful women leaders in the first century Christian church proved to be powerful and empowering. It also made me reflect on things Mama taught me.

In a time and place before kindergarten and Parents as Teachers, Mama was the one to teach me the fundamentals of reading and language, math, and writing. Mama taught me the importance of good manners and housekeeping. As much as I continue to appreciate those skills, they aren’t the ones I appreciate the most about Mama’s teaching.

The church series reminded me how earnestly, repeatedly, dare I say, passionately, Mama taught me that women have worth and value in every setting. She told me that Jesus was the one who kickstarted the Women’s Lib movement by the way he interacted with equity toward women of all socioeconomic status.

Mama taught me that being a “lady” doesn’t mean you are weak or helpless. It means you intentionally walk through the world with grace toward others and yourself, no matter what path you choose to take. If I could teach my daughters and granddaughters anything, that would be it.