Regarding Strong Women

"A strong woman is a woman determined \ to do something others are determined not be done. She is pushing up on the bottom \ of a lead coffin lid. She is trying to raise \ a manhole cover with her head, she is trying \ to butt her way through a steel wall. \ Her head hurts. People waiting for the hole \ to be made say, hurry, you're so strong."

~ Marge Piercy, excerpt from 'For Strong Women'

To the world: We need strong women.
To strong women: The world needs you.

We need you now.

We need you to stand up for what you know is love, not simply stand beside what someone tells you love is. We need you to know what love is according to your own hearts. You make so many sacrifices already, but this is one place where a sacrifice cannot be made.

We need you to refuse.

We need you to choose to not be there when people use slings and arrows against you to secure your love. We need you to know that fear of losing you is not loving you. We need you to know that fear of you need not be tolerated.

We need you to know.

We need you to know that there is much you must do on your own, but realize that you are not alone. No one can stand for you, but many of us will stand for your stand. Some of us will stand, and fall, and die, just to see this happen.

We need you to continue.

We need you to teach others. We need you to be visible. We need to see you. Hold yourself up to the lights - of scrutiny and of exaltation - and be not afraid of either. The will to see, and to love the truth is more important than what others may see.

We need your help.

We need you to help and allow yourself to be helped. Strength is only found when found in both places. Help to be free from violence, lies, and fear. Not one of us needs these things.

We need your love.

We need you to love what you are, without us. We need you to love what you are when you're with us. Be nowhere without these two things. We need you to know - you are loved.

We need you now. Today.