Lineage, Margaret Walker
Meditation
These days I’ve been reflecting on influence – those who raised me, nurtured me, cared for me, set examples for me. My world has been shaped so thoroughly by powerful women – both by direct lineage and by the grace of the universe’s serendipity. In youth, their strength was a soothing promise of protection. In adulthood, their strength is somewhat daunting, and I’m often struck with a feeling of being a complete imposter for not adequately filling their very large shoes.
“My grandmothers were strong. Why am I not as they?” Those who wish more than anything to pass along the values of those who came before us walk through life with the weight of this question. Why am I not as they? Who are your “strong grandmothers” whose strength you wish to carry? How do you emulate their strength? Where do you wish to be stronger?
In turn, we invariably demonstrate strength to the people in our lives. Who do you protect? How do you wish to pass on your stories, your sturdiness, your song, your memories? If you could offer advice to those who come after you, how would you encourage them to be strong?
Brianna Curran, Washington, DC
