After reading Donna Carbone 's Father "Her" -- Women in the Priesthood, I got to thinking about women and spriritual power. What I mean by this is a woman who is recoginized having the gift of connection to the "Higher Power" in terms of the Great Love or God. We have women we can identify with in history, plenty of women saints across the religious spectrum. But are thery any living women right now that we would give that title--that we know of? I'm not well read and I purposely avoid television, so I say unapologetically, that I am not up to date on all the latest news. We have women in power, in the political arena, as TV talkshow hosts and movie stars, but are their any spiritual leaders? I'm asking.
The above painting is called "Wedding Cake". The red fish is a herring. This piece is about my and many women's fascination with the marriage cermeony. Often one is taken in by the pomp and circumstance, the "star- for- a- day fantasy. For me it is a symbol for and ritual of the celebration of the union of love. One that is to last forever. In Christianity we refer to the church or the worshipper being the "bride of Christ". The bride to be prepares and cleanses themselves for the union with the God-head in Christ.
Julieshanti has mentioned Mother Meera.
Can you tell me of other women? I would really like to know. Maybe it's late and I'm not thinking straight, so help out....please?
I'm beginning to think that the voice in women's spiritual power is in our collective giving. The 2010 Presidential Citizens awards honoring 13 11 of which are women:
2010 Citizens Medal Winners Announced
On Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 the President will present the 2010 Citizens Medal to 13 winners from across the country at an event at the White House. Watch the event live at 2:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, August 4th on WhiteHouse.gov/Live.
The recipients of the 2010 Citizens Medal are:
Roberta Diaz Brinton
Los Angeles, CA
Roberta Diaz Brinton has devoted her time and talents to improving science and technology education for Los Angeles students. As Director of the University of Southern California’s Science, Technology and Research (STAR) Program, Brinton has opened the doors of opportunity for thousands of disadvantaged and minority inner-city youth. Brinton receives the Citizens Medal for encouraging America’s next generations to reach for the stars.
Daisy M. Brooks
Chicago, IL
When a pregnant teenager with no place to stay arrived at her door, Daisy Brooks welcomed the young woman in. What followed was a lifelong commitment to helping many of North Chicago’s young mothers and their infants. Brooks opened Daisy's Resource and Developmental Center to serve as a dormitory, school, and catalyst for young women to improve their lives. Brooks receives the Citizens Medal for offering guidance and support to young women across Chicago.
Betty Kwan Chinn
Eureka, CA
Touched by childhood tragedy, Betty Chinn brings hope to those who have fallen on hard times. Left homeless as a child in China, Chinn became mute. When she came to America, she found both her voice and her mission: aiding those without shelter on our own shores. Today, Chinn provides meals twice a day as expressions of gratitude to a welcoming nation. Chinn receives the Citizens Medal for renewing America’s promise by serving those in need.
Cynthia M. Church
Wilmington, DE
Cynthia Church turned a personal battle with cancer into a force for progress and change. Dismayed by the lack of resources for women of color with breast cancer, Church founded Sisters on a Mission, Inc, an African-American breast cancer support network in Delaware. Church receives the Citizens Medal for confronting the scourge of this terrible disease and working to halt its spread.
Susan Retik Ger
Needham, MA
Susan Retik Ger understands the importance of empowering women touched by personal tragedy. After losing her husband on September 11, 2001, she found cause in educating and training Afghan widows and their children. Her strength of spirit has healed hearts, fostering mutual understanding and brightening our common future. Retik Ger receives the Citizens Medal for advancing women’s rights and demonstrating the power of America’s ideals.
Mary K. Hoodhood
Grand Rapids, MI
Physical limitations have not hindered Mary K. Hoodhood’s determination to strengthen her community. Though a car accident left her paralyzed, Hoodhood began volunteering to feed the hungry through her local Meals on Wheels program. In 2001, Hoodhood founded Kids’ Food Basket which provides meals to thousands of children in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Hoodhood receives the Citizens Medal for her remarkable efforts to nourish our nation’s children.
Kimberly McGuiness
Cave Spring, GA
Parent and advocate, Kimberly McGuiness has been a true champion for deaf students. Her persistent letters, phone calls, and visits to state legislators helped spur the passage of Georgia’s Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights. She has led workshops, counseled parents, and changed lives, raising awareness and support for deaf education. McGuiness receives the Citizens Medal for demonstrating the results one citizen can achieve for an entire community.
Jorge Muñoz
New York City, NY
Jorge Muñoz recognizes that we all have a stake in one another. By giving his time, energy, and resources to feeding the hungry, he has demonstrated the enduring American values of sacrifice and kindness. Muñoz receives the Citizens Medal for his service and dedication to creating a more hopeful tomorrow for the less fortunate among us.
Lisa Nigro
Chicago, IL
Beginning with a wagon full of coffee and sandwiches, Lisa Nigro’s mission to aid those living on the streets of Chicago has inspired us all. Her wagon gave way to a restaurant for homeless men and women, expanding with partner organizations to provide housing, job training, and vital support to Chicagoans affected by poverty. Nigro receives the Citizens Medal for her tireless service to her fellow citizens.
MaryAnn Phillips
Star Valley Ranch, WY
Caring for America’s injured service members, MaryAnn Phillips embodies strength and grace. An American citizen living in Germany, Phillips volunteers with Soldiers Angels at Landstuhl Air Force Base. She spends countless hours at the bedsides of our wounded warriors and their families, caring for them, encouraging them, and grieving with them. Phillips receives the Citizens Medal for putting her patriotism into action on behalf of our troops and our nation.
Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam
Shaftsbury, VT
Devoted to preserving our nation’s public lands, Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam has inspired thousands of America’s youth to protect our natural bounty. Her vision to offer land restoration and maintenance service opportunities became a reality with the birth of the Student Conservation Association. Putnam receives the Citizens Medal for helping ensure that our nation’s treasured public lands are enjoyed by future generations.
Myrtle Faye Rumph
Inglewood, CA
For decades, Myrtle Faye Rumph has lent her talent and compassion to impacting the lives of at-risk youth. Her commitment to reducing gun and gang violence in her community has steered countless young people away from dangerous habits, and altered the course of their futures. Rumph receives the Citizens Medal for replacing violence and despair with a beacon of hope and humanity.
Geo. J. Weiss, Jr.
Marine, MN
George Weiss, Jr., a veteran of World War II and the United States Marine Corps, reflects our nation’s generous and selfless heart. In 1979, he founded the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad, which today consists of more than 125 volunteers who have performed final military honors for more than 55,000 deceased veterans. Weiss receives the Citizens Medal for his extraordinary service to our nation’s veterans and their families.
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Comments
http://open.salon.com/blog/clearmindnewplanet
That's what I'm thinking in terms of notoriety, but I think there comes a time when the person as enough influence that they can't help it because of others speaking on their behalf. I pose this question, because I'm asking truly is the church holding these women back? I mean if it is God ordained it would be so, yes?
blookbogger, I didn't realize that these publishing houses were run and founded by women(?), that is a good area to investigate, and I am sure there are books written about spiritual leaders out there, a quick google led me to one.
Love the painting. Do I understand correctly that its yours? very nice.
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Genie is a leader more charismatic than Billy Graham when you hear her speak you know she is a bodhissatva. She has an institute and a non profit dedicated to bringing the power of breath to the planet. Her books are to me something to read over and over as I read the Tao and some read the Bible. She has a radio show on BBS radio and a strong following, many of whom are amazing women in their own right. her website is www.highermindinstitute.com. She helped me to change my life at a very dark period for me.
She has chosen September 27th, 2010 as a day to honor the planet with service. I think she more than qualifies as a Woman Spiritual leader for our times.
Pilgrim: I went to the website and what she has written is fascinating.Because I am just superficially aware of shamanism, I will have to read more about it. She sounds well educated and explains her practice concisely. Thank Mrs. P for her input!
are mostly anonymous,
as they have always been...i know one,
a sheltered, world-suspicious
mother of 3 fine children
85 yrs old
whom i go to to
as they say
"get with god"....
let me ask you: are there any truly spiritual men
in the spotlight? few...the spotlight prefers
egomaniacs appealing to our basest instincts...
maybe you are such a gal, hm?
not an
egomaniac.
As to your second comment. No I'm no where near what I'm talking about. Look at mother Meera's face. You can see the light and calm. In their eyes. Also Mrs. P's shaman teacher you see wisdom in her eyes if you go to that website. I guess I'm talking about a certain enlightenment, like maybe Ghandi, someone who is really leading a change in the world. Romanitc poetess's teacher Genie O Malley, I didn't resonate with her as much as the others, but that doesn't mean a hill o beans as they say here in the south.
R
Donna, I feel and understand your point of view, and this is why I enjoy OS so much and why I posed the question for opinion.
Jonathon: Your welcome and thank you for stopping by!
I think most Religious leaders are more into domination than love, which doesn't work well for me as I'm already overly structured. I have moved farther away from traditional Christianity and more toward spirituality based in love which I find more uplifting.
I do love the posts by clearmindnewplanet, they make me feel like life is worth living. Most religious stuff these days makes me think humans aren't worth saving and I wish I was dead. I did find one Church in this county which isn't full of mean people so I'm really Blessed. It's very hard to find kind Christians in the Boise area, very depressing.
I'm trying not to read anything about Religious people right now, it would be nice to see the results and hear something positive about religion or spirituality. I still remember how good it used to make me feel, I used to be so hopeful.