we are more alike than we are different

"I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do."

The following stories are enthusiastically being added to My List of Books Everyone Should Read:

Bees I needed to read. It was handed to me by Colby's cousin as a distraction to get me through the short two hour flight to San Francisco, and Im ashamed to admit that I just barely finished it this last week. Im a woman obsessed! PLEASE see the movie if you dont plan on reading the book. It speaks volumes to every woman about her past - and how bravery and spirituality can change your identity to the point where a "past" is no longer relevant - because you are you now. And you have the potential for goodness and happiness.

I cant honestly say I was surprised at the treatment of women shown in Suns; I have studied in depths unknown to many the details and stories of wives and daughters who live in abusive relationships. And nothing makes me more furious. I cannot fathom what it must be like to have your life threatened by the very one who promised to protect you and provide for you. Perhaps the father of your children. What can have happened to this man? To have made him feel like the woman who was once his soulmate and true love has become something much less than that? I wonder if he ever recounts the day of his wedding to her, how she must have looked, blushing under the veil and shyly meeting his gaze... Whether he respected her then or not, he must have understood the blessing she was, coming into his life, sharing his future...

The women in Suns receive strength from each other - reminding us all to be available to our sisters in need. My heart goes out - in a literal sense, I become very emotional - for women who are seemingly trapped and cant feel their way out of the darkness that is isolation, lies, distrust, and negative self-worth.

Although the women in these two stories are so unlike myself in so many ways, they are special souls created for special purposes.

The life of a woman is not easy - we suffer, we heal, we pray in ways men do not, we feel in ways men do not. And cannot.

And for these reasons, we need each other.