3 Women: A co-worker- A Sister-& A Friend

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting in the breakroom when I noticed a co-worker reading a book. Always curious to see what others are reading, I asked- “We Should All Be Feminists”, as she showed me the cover.

A few minutes later she got up to return to work and asked if I wanted to read it. I did, and when she came back, I was still reading. I finished the book that day, in one sitting.

I have so much to be thankful to women for. Like knowledge. 

I predominantly listen to two genres of music, gospel and r&b, specifically 90’s r&b. My sister, (who also has an amazing voice), is six years my senior. Growing up I spent a lot of time listening to whatever music she listened to. Either because I was hanging out in her room, or because it was blasting through her walls throughout the entire house. 

Faith Evans and Tamia are her favorites, but there was also Brandy, Monica, and everyone else from that era. My taste for r&b was essentially entirely shaped by my sister.

I have so much to be thankful to women for. Like music. 

On May 17th, 2020, seemingly out of the blue my friend messaged me and asked: “What’s going on with you? Tell me something you have been wanting to pursue?” 

To tell you I was shocked would be an understatement, I think my eyes widened as I read her question. We never had those kinds of talks. I wondered if she could see my fears, “you’re always asking about me, what about you?”. 

My heart was racing, I was afraid to answer. I considered taking the easy way out and hiding, using my art of deflection, or offering one of my masterful fluff responses. But something within said not to. “Tell her, just say it, you can tell her, it’s ok, it’s safe”. I’m so glad I listened. 

I told her about this giving project I’d be working on. In return she gave me encouragement and support. Like on February 22nd when she texted me: “I love reading the giving is like posts! That’s it and that’s all!”, or like a few days after when she called echoing the same message, telling me The Daily Tithe was like a daily prompt and she looked forward to seeing them in her inbox every morning. 

This friend became the first person I showed the Giving Is Like logo and website. Day after day going over edits- texting, calling, and zooming. Not only was she honest, she was reassuring, and helped me see further. 

I have so much to be thankful for women for. Like encouragement. 

Makeeda. Danielle. Vonice. 

My co-worker. My sister. My friend.

We should all be feminist.

P.S. Today’s Vonice’s Birthday. Happy Birthday Vonice, thank you for everything!