Celebrating women

The preface in the book “Great Quotes from Great Women”, compiled by Peggy Anderson, is the perfect sentiment for International Women’s Day celebrated tomorrow, March 8. It is refreshing to read about the special women in our lives:

“Great Women are not considered so because of personal achievements but for the effect their efforts have had on the lives of countless others. From daring feats of bravery to the understated ways of a compassionate heart, great women possess a common strength of character. Through their passion and persistence, they have advanced womanhood and the world.”

This testimony appears in “Quotable Women A Celebration: from Courage Books.

It adds to the message above, describing the “experienced voices passing on sage advice…it illustrates the poignancy of writers, insight of mothers, imagination of actresses and the evolved wisdom of leaders…they can be witty, poignant, and speak freely on passion, endurance, and every other aspect of the human condition that connects us as kindred spirits.”

Food for thought, inspiration and celebration from these leaders:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt, diplomat, humanitarian and First Lady

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.” — Helen Keller, symbol of human potential in the face of disabilities

“What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.” — Margaret Thatcher, first woman in European history to serve as Prime Minister

“We can do no great things- only small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa, dedication to the poor and Nobel Peace Prize in 1979

“I can remember walking as a child. It was not customary to say you were fatigued. It was customary to complete the goal of the expedition.” — Katherine Hepburn, winner of 4 Academy Awards and beloved actress in America

“My mother was the one who made me work, made me believe that one day it would be possible for me to walk without braces.” — Wilma Rudolph, winner of 3 gold medals at the 1960 Olympic Games

We honor these outstanding women, and congratulate the brilliant women among us who are following in their footsteps.