When I originally wrote this, I was in a tough spot as a teenager.  I had just had a stillborn son, at 16, and was needing a way to express how amazing women are for all the hardships that touch them in ways WE(men) will never know.

WOMEN OF STRENGTH

Women have strengths that amaze ...

They carry children, they carry hardships, they carry burdens,
yet they hold faith, happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.

They volunteer for good causes.
They are pink ladies in hospitals, they bring food to shut ins.
They are senators, educators, childcare workers, executives, attorneys,
truck drivers, pilots, stay at home moms and your neighbors.

They fight for what they believe in. They stand up against injustice.
They write to the "powers that be" for things that make for a better life.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They can wipe a tear, cover a cut and pat you on the back at the same time.
They go without new shoes so their children can have them.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.


They tell people that need to be told to straighten up their act.
They lend a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen
and a voice to make suggestions.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They have sorrow at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They can round up energy, even when they are tired.
They can stay up a little longer to talk to someone that needs a friend.

Women do more than give birth. They bring peace and hope.
They give compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
They weep with joy when their children excel,
and cheer when loved ones get awards.

Women want people to grow into the best person they can be.
They want to touch you in a way that
will make you share your goodness with others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair
... true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.


The beauty of a woman must be seen from her eyes because
that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin!