Written by: Keisha Leah Rock, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Who is she?
Long days with what seems like thirty-six (36) hours. Cooking, cleaning, teaching, treating wounds, counselling, cheerleading, attending meetings and writing letters of recommendation or reprimand. Maybe, just maybe fifteen (15) minutes to eat on the run or grab a hot beverage and on a really good day, around five (5) hours sleep.
Can you relate to this marathon of a schedule? It definitely sounds like the life so many women live each and every day. Who is she? She is the Chief Everything Officer. She is YOU!
She EMPOWERS
You’re the person who finds the time to listen. When a friend calls you up, you make time in your schedule for her. From the tone in her voice and what she’s not saying you know that she needs you and “I’m a bit busy”, just isn’t going to cut it. Women take the time to listen, to observe, ask tough questions, have uncomfortable but necessary conversations and give solicited and unsolicited advice.
As I prepared for this contribution to the magazine, I did some research. My questions were posed to women from all walks of life, from administrators, healthcare professionals, production analysts, technicians, chefs, educators, self-employed and unemployed. The ages ranged from eighteen (18) to fifty-five (55) and more than fifty (50) percent of them are parents. These women live in Barbados, the U.S.A and South Africa. As diverse as they are, there was a common thread in their responses, they’ve been empowered, inspired and motivated by other women they have come into contact with and/or learnt about their stories.
The Unusual Suspects
Have you ever had a conversation with someone and they expressed the way they feel about you and it left you shocked, humbled but baffled because you never realised anyone even noticed your efforts or contribution? Maybe you were doing your best to be discrete or you just didn’t think people were seeing you because you never got a “Thank you.”. As you read you may be able to add some new superheroes to your list. You may even discover that you too are a superhero. I have one favour to ask, yes, I want you to do something for me. If you know of any of these Unusual Suspects, tag her, send the article to her or her family. Let’s celebrate these POWERHOUSES!
Over time some names become household names when we consider those women who empower us. It was not surprising to see names like: Sarah Jakes-Roberts, Priscilla Shirer, Corrie Ten Boom, Maya Angelou, Michelle Obama, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Viola Davis.
I can also say that many mothers, grandmothers, aunts and godmothers have added tremendous value to the lives of the women who responded to my research questionnaire.
Some names began to emerge as I anaylsed the data. I wondered, “Do these women have a clue? Do they know the legacy they have created or are creating?”. To be honest, I was not surprised to read about Mrs. Roseann King from Barbados, because she has been a tower of strength and support for me over the years and while I know I am special in her eyes, I know her light is too bright for it to illuminate only my life. I learnt about Regina Zuze who lived in Zimbabwe. Her granddaughter Precious noted that she went out of her way to make sure her grandchildren were taken care of after their parents died. She prayed for them and taught them to pray. From Zimbabwe to Barbados the stories of women who modelled behaviours and attitudes to be emulated were encouraging to say the least.
We Salute You
While as I noted before, these names may not be familiar to you I think it is important to highlight these women who did their best to raise their children, grandchildren and others. They unknowingly empowered others by living genuine and authentic lives that inspired and motivated the masses. Mrs. Jocelyn Greenidge’s daughter Jackie, noted “my mother has instilled in me Christian values. She continues to challenge me to be my best self despite the challenges faced in life. She is a tower of strength and a praying woman who exudes faith. Her discipline despite her humble beginnings has allowed her to achieve much in life. She is also a very caring individual. In fact, persons in her community consult her on personal matters and seek her advice and wisdom.”
Leona credits her mum, Mrs. Rufina George, for simply believing in her ability to “do anything I set my mind to”. She confesses that “even if I'm doubting myself her encouragement and faith propels me!!”
Ms. Eudine Selman, the mother of an athlete, Shakera, was credited by her daughter for “always supporting me and reminding me that I could do anything I wanted to as long as I believed and worked hard. She has been my rock throughout everything, and it is because of her that I have achieved so much in life.” Another name that was mentioned was Ms. Samantha Gooden. Dionne said (she) “has been an incredible source of wisdom, encouragement and strength throughout my journey. Yes, she has empowered me through coaching and mentorship but her greatest impact on me has (been) in the way she lives. Samantha is bold, fearless, authentic and radical in her approach to life. She understands the vision, she understands her God-given assignment and passionately pursues it. She has the strength and determination to fulfill every dream that God had set before her, fearlessly!”
There are two more names I must mention. Janet paid homage to Ms. Fiona Michelle, who she said “is very supportive and encourages me to push beyond all limits. She believes in me and all that God has designed for me to do and is confident I will be great in all things.” Finally, there is Elsie, Juliana’s grandmother. I could sense the love and passion for this phenomenal woman as I read Juliana’s sentiments. She noted, “(she) taught me the importance of faith in God and to be resilient in the face of change or challenge. Having lost her husband in a freak accident this young widow was left to maintain a home, raise a young daughter, and assist with the care of her grandchildren. She was so concerned about the welfare of her family and determined that her grandchildren would benefit from educational opportunities she didn't have, she worked long hours at the plantation, raised livestock and maintained a vegetable garden in her backyard.”
Tell Her Today
I don’t want you to misinterpret how I feel about this article. Yes, it is a little different from my usual submissions, but it is yet paradoxically identical. These women and the brief description of their impact on their families and communities warmed my heart. I was reminded that coaching and mentoring took place long before we gave meaning to these terms. I must admit though that this is a bit bittersweet for me. As I think about my own grandmother, Eugenie Pinder, I know I never knew the depth of her story and the tenacity of her character until she was gone. I never had the opportunity to tell her thank you for the legacy she created. I could not help but wonder how many of the aforementioned women truly know how much they are/were loved, appreciated and respected. Did they know the superpowers embedded in the intricate and complicated threads of their being? To the ones still with us, do they know that the capes they wear inspire other women to keep pressing and pushing, even on the days that it is most difficult. As we celebrate women in the month of March, take the phone up and tell her today. Take her out for dinner or quietly sit over a pot of tea and let her know. Too many of our women truly are clueless to the fact that they are towers of strength in their homes, workplaces and communities. Don’t just Break the Bias, break the silence and honour the women in your life today.
Keisha Leah Rock, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Keisha Rock, is a Mindset Coach, Empowerment Speaker, Author and Educator. After experiencing some personal struggles, Keisha embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement where she implemented and revolutionised strategies to sustain personal growth and development. As the Founder and C.E.O of KaiRos Professional Services, Keisha provides services to individuals and businesses around the world, in the Caribbean, United States, South Africa and more. She is the author of Releasing the Past- Building Beauty from Brokenness, in this book Keisha shares her personal story and how she was able to navigate one of the most difficult seasons in her life when she battled depression. She is the Co-owner of the KaiRos TV Channel on the ACEIRT TV Network where she Co-host’s the Transformation Show. Keisha’s mission is to use every platform available to her, to add value to the lives of individuals and encourage them with her mantra “Don’t allow the past to hold the pen that writes your future.
