By: Chaunte McClure
When I learned of the opportunity to write for Lexington Medical Center’s Every Woman Blog, I remember thinking, this will be a great platform to encourage and inspire women. Over the past year and a half, I’ve tried to do just that. Not every post has been inspirational, and that was intentional, because I believe we should make room for fun, laughter and practicality.
It is my desire to make a difference in the lives of others – women, men, boys and girls. However, there is a special place in my heart for women and girls, and particularly those who have an unavailable, unattached or absent father.
I believe any unpleasant experience we have in life should be used for good. When you grow and heal, those negative experiences should help others do the same.
After a recent experience, I was reminded of a moment in my childhood when I asked myself, “Why didn’t mama abort me?” This was during a time in my life when I didn’t know who I was and I didn’t understand why I existed. And an obvious observation from that question: I wished I hadn’t existed.
That was then. I thank God for wisdom and maturity because along the way I’ve developed an understanding that I have a purpose. I’m no longer trapped inside the mind of a confused little girl trying to understand why I live. Now I just want to live freely and share the story that for most of my life I was ashamed of because I realize there are so many other women who are living with shame and there’s a broken little girl still trapped inside her.
In a sermon on Sunday, I heard a young minister say, “Broken crayons still color, broken people are still blessed.” I want to encourage fatherless little girls that broken crayons still color and I want to encourage fragile, fatherless women that broken people are still blessed. Better yet, I want them to know that God can mend them, but it’s a journey.
For more than 20 years I was broken and it wasn’t until I was in my early twenties when I recognized that all the anger, rebellion, bitterness and sadness inside of me stemmed from my fatherless experience. It was when I was about 27 that I decided that I was ready to put it all behind me.
There are women in their forties, fifties and sixties – and maybe even older – who have yet to recognize why they do some of the things they do and say some of the things they say. I want to begin the journey of love, acceptance and forgiveness with them.
Now I can answer that little girl’s question: Why didn’t mama abort me? I can’t speak for my mama, but I understand that I’m vessel God is using to reach generations of broken people.
One of the ways I want to inspire others is through a personal blog for fatherless daughters. I’ve been toiling for months trying to decide what to call this blog. I’d love your help with coming up with a name for it. Will you? I have a short list of ideas, but maybe your creativity runs deeper than mine. Remember, it’s for young ladies and women, and it will be a place for healing, nurturing and restoration. Leave me a comment with your suggestion.
Oh, and I’ll still remain an Every Woman blogger 🙂
Ahh….love this more than you know!!!!
I’m glad to know that it has blessed you, Alicia.
Suggestions:
S.H.E. (Support Her Everywhere)
A Sista ‘ s Tale
Her Hidden Words
In My She V.O.I.C.E. (A Vision of “I” Creating Empowerment in others)
She and Her Voice
Beyond Her Voice
Best wishes!
Thank you, Sonya! Great suggestions!
Very nice Change. Proud of you my sister.
Thanks, Ken!