Relating with a good friend

Not only did Julianne and I spend our time experiencing and learning an new culture, we also connected deeply and shared important aspects of our lives with one another. One of thing things that we discussed and  I have been contemplating recently is femininity and what it means to be a woman... this has been something that I have struggled with my entire life.

I'm not quite sure why my journey with these issues has been more challenging than most, but it might have something to do with some of the following... wanting to be so much like my brother, idolizing my father, never wanting to be too emotional, experiencing emotional and sexual abuse, struggling with my body image, being married to a wonderful man, having a hard time starting a family and being part of Christian community where my views don't necessarily align on gender roles...

what is a girl to do?

Well, thankfully when Julianne was moving to Armenia she left me with a box of books that have been in my extra bedroom since I got them. I knew I was going to be on a plane for at least a day, so I needed something to read and I picked up the book, "Ruby Slippers" by Jonalyn Grace Fincher.

I ate up the first third of the book on my way to Istanbul and then continued to read it as we traveled throughout the country. Although, I may not agree with every word, reading this book was like drinking a tall glass of water for my soul. I passed it back to Julianne when I was finished and ordered another copy for myself. I am now looking for other daring women of faith to help me process some of this further. Any takers???

Thanks to Julianne for processing so much of life with me already!