Human Courage, God’s power

Nancy Pelosi became the first woman Speaker of the House in 2007 — a huge political accomplishment for the women’s rights movement. I just finished reading her book — Know Your Power: A Message to America’s Daughters, and am reminded how far women have come — from no voting rights, to policy makers. That’s not to say that I agree with her on every point (not the least of which, her choice of title for the book). But I have a healthy respect for the challenges in her way, and for anyone who has the courage to try anyway.

(I am also impressed by her view of family. She raised five children to near adulthood before embarking on a political career. Seeing her children as a sidebar to her life never occurred to her — caring for them until they could care for themselves was her priority. And she spent that time at home wisely — volunteering for political events, keeping up with the news, staying active mentally. Her political training took place during a time of changing diapers and helping with homework. How refreshing!)

So let’s talk about this misleading title. I almost didn’t pick up the book, because Know Your Power smacks of entitlement and empowerment, two feminist ideas that bother me. You may have guessed that I would prefer “Know God’s Power” because human power has an end, and God’s power does not.

But it’s really a book about courage — the courage to keep trying, keep striving. The courage to engage your children and raise them well, and the courage to engage our country. “Courage springs from the heart,” Pelosi writes. “The voters know that what is in your heart is what you will have the courage to fight for.”

I may not agree with her political views, but I can’t argue with that.

Change — It’s never easy

Leaving home, new friends, new ideas, new schedule, possibly a new job — just some of the many ways college means change. And nothing feels less comfortable. Sometimes you just want the home you knew, the familiar people, smells, walls — back when everything made sense, everyone understood the expectations. But now it’s all different, and maybe you’re different, too.

We’re in the midst of change right now with our small group. In some ways it’s exciting, this idea of getting to know new people, allowing the group dynamic to change and grow as the group changes. But there’s always a feeling of loss with any change. In this case, some of my closest friends are creating a separate group and we’ll no longer be in group with them. I know it’s what God wants to happen, and everything about it feels right. But I still mourn for what used to be, even as I look forward to this new reality.

I felt the same way, on a much larger scale, during college. One thing I did right during that time was to give all those feelings to Him. There’s a great song by Francesca Battistelli called “I’m Letting Go.” I’ve posted some of the lyrics below.

My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge

Like an acrobat
There’s no turning back

(Chorus)
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace

The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

(Chorus)

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid

Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me