My Ode to Bomb-Ass Women

Happy International Women’s Month! I think it’s only appropriate to spend some time thinking about the bomb-ass women we know. I grew up spoiled by such folks and had no idea. I was raised by smart, beautiful, courageous, habitual line-stepping women who spoke their minds and encouraged me (and everyone around them) to become the best version of themselves.

Often, when we have conversations about gender, we slide into those beliefs about gender roles that society burns into our brains. We miss out on the accomplishments of the women around us because we expect constant excellence and effort from them. But women are more than, “being superwoman.” Women are dynamic, soft and in need of comfort and care. My favorite is Proverbs 31.25- She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs at the days to come.

My circle is filled with single moms. I have women who are starting up a second career because they refused to settle for what doesn’t bring them joy and fulfillment. I know so many woman-owned businesses/brand new entrepreneurs. I’m surrounding by teachers, lawyers, directors, graphic designers, tax preparers, journalists, leaders…you name it, I know them. I know women of faith who serve others, loving on folks the way they’re called to do so. I know women who have battled and beat cancer. Women who challenge the process and work to crush the glass ceiling.

Every day we should thank the women in our lives for all that they do, the example they set, and how they have changed us.

Here’s where I give flowers to the bomb-ass women in my life.

Thank you for teaching us to strive by continuing to learn, challenging yourself, and growing.

Thank you for your belly-laughs, the comfort of your hands, and loving smiles.

Thank you for demanding love and care for people of color, for justice, and the culture.

Thank you for being a “Pretty Girl,” serving your community with pinky up and heart open.

Thank you for coming to every event, making us all feel special, important, and worthy.

Thank you for protecting us from the moment we were born.

Thank you for knowing the Bible cover to cover and teaching us to seek God in all things.

Thank you for starting your business, showing us that we’re leaders and can hold our own.

Thank you for the dances, the corny jokes, and the love of sci-fi.

Thank you for being the ride-or-die cheerleaders.

Thank you for your authenticity, for listening, and for not judging.

Thank you for crossing lines and arguing rules so that we could have a better future.

Thank you all for being bomb-ass women, amazing at whatever you do.

I want to encourage you all to take a minute and write down the names of the bomb-ass women you know. Give them their flowers today. Text them and tell them how amazing they are. Thank them for their authenticity. Praise them for their honesty and support.

Thrive Well!

Some of My Favorite Feminist Reads

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Hood Feminism: Notes From the Women White Feminists Forgot by Nikki Kendall

Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde

Books I Love Because of Strong Female Leads

Who Fears Death? By Nnedi Okorafor

Sabriel by Garth Nix

Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson

The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi

Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender