All throughout my life, I was told that I had a “Rebellious Spirit.” I was mainly told this by a chorus of Pastors, or self-proclaimed this that or that other. Even family. The problem was I was told this in a way that was not particularly complimentary.

That is what patriarchal systems that most of us were subject to in formative years does. It will attempt to distinguish your fire. We see the effects of this all through our society.

I can tell you at 57, do not allow that. Your rebellious spirit will serve you, allow it to!

Be wild. Be free. All of that is strength.

So many will tell you it is not, but it truly is. Let me tell you another thing, it is freedom.

True freedom comes when you step out of the grips of Patriarchy in all its forms.

Those who identity as female, do not step aside, we step over. We are the rebellion. We are free. Patriarchy does not like that, and we do not care.

“He drew a circle that shut me out-
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle and took him In!”
― Edwin Markham