Yesterday morning I heard Senator Elizabeth Warren interviewed on a news talk show. One of the hosts was trying to get Warren to criticize Hillary Clinton, presumptive presidential nominee for the Democrats, for something about which she hasn't yet spoken out. To her credit, Warren declined to badmouth Clinton but instead said she was waiting for Clinton to declare herself a nominee and then see what sort of platform she laid out. The host continued to push Warren on the issue, but she wouldn't be goaded into negative speech.
The entire exchange brought to mind all the ways I've seen women criticize, sabotage and put down other women. It always makes me sad to see this. We need all the support and help we can get from each other to make our way past decades of discrimination and lack of opportunity. We need to encourage, not discourage, each other.
Warren's action reminded me to be careful with the words I choose, too. This doesn't mean we have to agree with everything another woman does or says. Not at all. But there are a million ways we can encourage and support one another in our endeavors. It feels so good when we do. And it feels wonderful when we get the support and encouragement from other women, too, doesn't it? I have this image of women around the globe, hand in hand, helping one another—no matter what race, creed or country we represent. Together we rise!
Amen. Excellent reminder.
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