Four Children and Husband Died

"Life was good for a while, as Mary and George bore four children in quick succession. But tragedy first struck in 1867, when her husband and all the children died in a yellow fever epidemic, within a week of each other. She stayed in Memphis nursing other victims until the epidemic waned, then moved back to Chicago, working as a dressmaker again. But tragedy soon followed. In 1871, she lost everything she owned in her home and seamstress shop in the great Chicago fire".(Women in History)

Listening to women's history's has become a great strength to me.
(Go here to listen to the biography)

She was BOLD, unwavering, STUBBORN, CONFIDENT, FOCUSED, and did whatever was necessary to fulfill her vision for justice.

All of her tragedies through out her life are written in a simple sentence, while the rest of her biography is on her vision, observations, and accomplishments.

We all too often get stuck in our own emotions of devastation and depression when tragedy hits. Yet, we all have great things to accomplish beyond the trials and obstacles we face. If we could understand that the trials are what make us capable of fulfilling our callings in life, then we would allow our tragedies to become a sentence in history.

Devastation can become the glue to our lives and relationships.

Here is one of our first baby steps to overcoming unexpected turmoil.

Doormat to Dreamgirl

After a failed marriage and now a second chance to be a better person and a better wife, I owe a big lesson to this book. Hopefully, it doesn't take a second marriage for you to learn what I've learned.

Scenario:

Your husband starts stomping around the house because he can't find matching socks.

Choice 1: You feel bad about having not matched the socks yet, you drop everything you are doing and dig through the bottom of the laundry basket to find him his desperate pair of socks.

What he learns: That if he stomps around and throws a fit about something, he will get what he wants.

Choice 2: You give him your sexy sassy smile and say, Oh what's wrong you can't find your socks? There is this basket up stairs full of items that appear to be socks. Some people that want to find socks might try looking there...but, you're a big boy, I'm sure you can figure it out. :) Give him a kiss and a smile, and continue doing what you are doing.

What he learns: To find his own socks. And that you aren't his Mom. You are the cute, sassy girl that isn't a door mat.

This book has given me the missing tools I have needed to stand up for myself, and has eliminated several episodes of "hurt feelings". 

We women need to be more bold. We need to teach our children how to stand for who we are and how to boldly and righteously demand the respect we deserve.