The first one is Mother Theresa. A nun yes. Catholic..Yes. The good she did all around the world is like no other I know! This woman single-handedly brought the world to it's knees as she provided people everywhere with basic needs. She fed the hungry, clothed the poor. Things that we have a hard time doing ourselves. I mean, we have no problem doing it for people in Africa, South America, or countries elsewhere...Let's admit though, feeding or clothing a poor American? Most of us cannot do that without passing some type of judgment! As a little girl, I remember telling my mom that I was going to be like this lady. (Minus the Nun) I was going to give people their basic needs without passing judgment. A true testimony to our Creator!
I have been watching her since I can remember. I thought it would be magnificent to have the means this woman did. She broke through prejudice and reached women of all ages and races. Not to mention the great things she's done! The one thing I really like about Oprah, is that her talk show was never like Maury or the other silly ones. She educated people and she was not afraid to provoke questions, thoughts, and new ways of thinking.
She was beautiful.... Everyone wants to be a Princess. I think I liked her so much because she reminded me that I am a Princess. We don't have to have an actual crown to live the life she lived. She was concerned about others who had less than her. Running into good fortune never stopped her from acknowledging the outside world. I admire how strong she was. Still maintained her individuality while living in a society of tradition and strict adherence to the standards of the public eye.
While our focus is on England. If one has not read about the life of this queen than one must! She showed wisdom beyond her years, and to step forward to lead a country at such a young age...What a scary and brave thing to do! It takes a strong woman to try to do things on her own. And when she realized her mistake, she kept moving forward and eventually began to do all the right things. She was certainly a wonderful leader, and together with her husband, re-invented several wheels.
In modern times she is known as Joan of Arc or Jeanne Arc, but during her life she was called Jeannette or Jeanne, and the name she herself used was Jehanne la Pucelle (Joan the Maid). At age seventeen, she led the French army to several victories against the English. She was then captured, tried and convicted of heresy by an English-controlled church. Joan was only nineteen years old when she was burned at the stake. What a leader! The true beauty of a woman is shown through that deep strength and ability to lead during dark moments.
Yes. I have been reading many of her books. Jane is the only lady I feel I know personally because of her books. Her writing is so detailed and unique. I can see her quirky humor in it. The sarcastic wit and fabulous endings. She is iconic to me because she challenges society's view on a woman's outrageous predicament during her time.
Ah yes! I know I was born in the wrong era. I would have no problems dressing like this iconic lady. She was fabulous and had a wonderful eye for clothing. She broke women away from the corset and pulled us into 'menswear'. She represents a change in feminine roles. Innovative and classy. I love Coco Chanel.
The last few ladies who are iconic to me I save for last. This is because they are my own. My mom...Kandy Davitt. She has been through the wringer and back. She remains strong and protected. I can go to her when I need to...She is always wanting to protect my best interests. My Grandma Virginia Keith... When my mom had no idea where I was coming from she did. My Grandma got me through many of my teenage years. She died when I was sixteen. One of the saddest stories in history. The waves of humiliation that swept over her while she was at her sickest. The way she still went on serving while no one seemed to recognize her value until she was gone. She was a huge part of my life and I still look back on the way she lived as a source of inspiration when I need to be gentle. Next is my Grandma Breta. I don't remember much about her, she died from ovarian cancer when I was around the age of four. I do however, hear her voice in my dreams sometimes and her laughter. My mom said she passed away elegantly. Anyone who can be so gentle when faced with such unknown territory is iconic. Lastly, my Great Grandma. Her witty attitude towards life. Her sarcastic sense of humor. This woman rode a covered wagon from South Dakota to New York State. She rode a motor-home across the country, and when my Grandpa hit the breaks hard she fell to the floor. Later on that day, with two black eyes and a few missing teeth, she happily told every stranger she met that she had 'gotten in a brawl with Buffalo Bill' This wonderful lady dressed me in the 'latest' fashions growing up (wide leg jeans 7th grade ;-) She tried to marry me off when I was 14. She was a wonderful asset in my life and I recognize that I was fortunate to have her.
Admire the Iconic Women who inspire you. Reflect often on why they do. My mom, grandma's, and great grandma's make up who I am. The rest I admire tell me who I am. Here's to great inner strength, intuition, beauty, fashion, a selfless spirit, and all the rest!
~Sara Sue Renee
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