My Female Role Models

Today is March 8th which is International Women's Day. Now I don't consider myself a feminist, like I believe in equal rights and treating women with respect. However, in honor of the day I compiled a list of my female role models! Enjoy!

The Virgin Mary, Mother of God

Mother Mary! She is definitely the biggest role model.  Mary is sinless, trusting, poor, and humble. A woman used to solely admit and bring the light of Jesus into the world, as we're all created to do. While on earth, she trusted God and His plan for her by saying "yes," when I'm sure she was nervous and scared. I need to follow her example more and rely on God and not myself. In the past when I have great (even miraculous) things have happened, so I dont know why I dont always trust Jesus. She also raised Jesus with grace and love understanding He is God's Son and our savior. She lives the definition of grace and even encourages Jesus in His first miracle at the wedding in Cana. She is also one of the first women to hear about Jesus' body no longer being in the tomb. She is a mother to us all. Mary freely gives herself up to solely be used for God and His will as we all should. She uses her gifts for God. I hope to do the same. She comforts many mothers who lost a child too soon, as she has felt the same pain. Mary also prays in behalf of us. Mary loves us. Men and women can both take inspiration from Mary as she fully trusts and gives herself to God.

Saint Maria Goretti

Saint Maria Goretti's mother, Assunta Goretti (center) attending her daughter's canonization.

Saint Maria Goretti had what I would consider a challenging life, but even in the hardest of times she choose forgiveness and love. Saint Maria Goretti is the youngest saint to be canonized. She was born in Corinaldo, Italy in 1890 and was baptized the very next day. She got confirmed on October 4, 1896; days before her 6th birthday. In December of 1896 she and her family moved to Colle Gianturco in order to escape poverty. In February 1899 the family moved to La Ferriere di Conca. On May 6, 1900 her father, Luigi, died after having been bit by a mosqitoe carrying malaria. On June 16, 1901 she recieves her first communion in the Church of Conca, which is Borgo Montello today. With her father in Heaven, Maria had to raise her five younger siblings, while their mother worked in fields. She also cooked and cleaned for their neighbors Giovanni Serenelli and his twenty year old son, Alessando Serenelli, who helped her mom with farm tasks. Alessandro began to lust for her, say inappropriate things, threaten her, and demand her virginity. One day Alessandro forced himself upon her in order to rape her, but Saint Maria Goretti resisted and instead died from infected lacerations. Her last words were "I forgive Alessandro Serenelli...and I want him with me in heaven forever." Alessandro ended up going to prison, but once Maria appeared to him and forgave him once more. She showed so much mercy and love, it would turn his life around and welcome grace into it, eventualluy becoming a franciscan brother. She was beatified April 27, 1947 and canonized in St. Peter's Square on June 24, 1950. The canonization included half a million people and St. Peter's Basilica was deemed to small for the event. It was the first open air canonization. Her mother even got to watch! I admire Maria's ability to forgive.  hope to one day be able to forgive as sincerely and freely as she does. Her ability to love is tremendous as well. Similar to Mary she let's God use her as His vessel. Maria really understood Jesus and His ability to Love and forgiive freely.

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis

Jackie Kennedy! My word what a woman! I recently learned more about her in the Kate Spade book, She. Jackie is a fashion icon: incredibly preppy and always classy. She boosted her friend Lilly Pulitzer's clothing company to fame by posing for and wearing the designs. Jackie loved and encouraged creativity and education. She supported what would become the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. She also got a group of scholars together to curate a collection of books to encourage Americans to read.  She also was involved in journalism and photograaphy outside of her time as first lady. I truly believe she did more the Kennedy presidency than Jack did. She spoke multiple languages making the people who spoke them feel welcome. On her wedding night she stayed up writing a letter to her alcoholic father who didn't make it. She loved people so much. 

I think the most important thing to learn from her is her gratitude. She wrote countless letters to people thanking them for their services, gifts, and condolences. When shopping at Bergdorf Goodman she'd send thank you notes to the sales associates, even though I'm sure she did more for them than they did for her. I really want to write more thank you notes because of Jackie, it's a simple thing that makes people feel so appreciated and encourages people to help you in the future.

Barbara Millicent Roberts

Barbie! I love Barbie! She has inspired me in so many ways! I've played and looked up to her forever! When Barbie was introduced girls' toys were primarily baby dolls. Having an older toy to play with allowed girls to see all they could be instead of just mothers. Her roles have included Dolphin Trainer, Doctor, Architect, Fashion Model, Olympian, First Female President, Vice President, Singer, Mermaid, Computer Scientist, Teacher, Engineer, First Astronaut to be on Moon, Surgeon, Military Officers, Nascar Driver, and Judge to name a few. I also think I liked Barbie because she looked like me! Barbie has diversified their dolls and now many girls can be inspired by dolls that look like them!

Lillian Lee McKim Pulitzer Rousseau

Lilly Pulitzer, the Queen of Prep, is my favorite! I have many of her designs including a skirt made by great grandmother out of vintage Lilly fabric. She began her brand while working at her juice stand, close to the orchards she and her then husband owned. The juice would stain her clothing, so she designed a colorful dress to hide the stains. She had a seamstress make the dress and began wearing it. Eventually her friend Jackie Kennedy wore her cheery dresses, including one made out of window curtains. She changed summer clothing for women by selling these fun, carefree, sunny, peachy shifts! I love the fun patterns with animals hidden inside and the joy of wearing a bright outfit and having fun with fashion!

Paris Whitney Hilton

 

My first female role model I had is Paris Hilton. I first became aware of Paris in kindergarten when I'd watch The Simple Life with my mom. Paris wore a lot of short skirts and I had just gotten a new skirt that I didn't like very much, so I cut it shorter to be like her. The girls cleaned in one episode, so I also began cleaning around the house just like them. I don't know how much of an impact she has on my life now, however she is my first female role model. She brings the fun wherever she is and enjoys life. She's also very kind to fans. I try to do the same.


Those are my female role models, excluding my family of course!

God Bless!