There is a particular world of stories that I was told, grew up within, and inherited.
From the womb through my early 40s, my life was shaped by religion. I was steeped in doctrine (and dogma and patriarchy and misogyny) all of which had, and still has, profound impact. Of course, there was goodness in all of this, as well; but eventually, it was more than I could make sense of or sustain.
None of it was not to be questioned; certainly not walked away from. I’ve done both.
I walked away from my marriage (to the pastor), the church, and the beliefs I’d held sacred. I questioned every bit of the doctrine and dogma that had become like DNA. The patriarchy and misogyny? Don’t get me started… And along the way, I came to understand and experience my own sacred story in ways that have far surpassed my expectations, even my hopes.
Despite all that I walked away from, I couldn’t leave behind the stories of women. Maybe more true: they wouldn’t let me leave without them.
Let’s talk about Eve, shall we?
Whether or not you give her story credence or even acknowledge the text within which it is housed, it is in your DNA. One small story is responsible for nearly all the shame women feel, the silence women endure, and the sublimation women have known for generations.
The problem is not Eve or her story. It’s the telling.
When I choose to re-vision it, to tell it a different way (without the doctrine and dogma) there is so much more impact, relevance, and meaning.
Here is what I know her to say on your behalf:
“You reflect the divine. Your desire is good. Your choices do not birth disaster.”
She’s right.
There are countless stories yet to tell.
Some are known, like Eve’s; far more are unnamed and nearly invisible. All are part of our rich and wise matrilineal line. And every. single. one. of them have so much they long to offer you.
Every one of these womens’ stories (and their inherent wisdom) deserves to be known, seen, heard, and honored. Even rewritten. These stories are what enable your story (and your inherent wisdom) to be known, seen, heard, and honored…as you deserve.
- They convert lack of self-trust into undeniable self-belief and irrepressible confidence.
- They transform your shame-default into irrevocable grace and strength.
- They remind you that you are not alone – and never have been.
- They replace your silence, especially in the face of conflict, with voice and certainty.
- They undo internalized patriarchy and compel you to dismantle it in our world.
- They see your fear, take your hand, and face it with you.
- They become confidants, muses, sacred ancestors, and spiritual guides.
- They welcome you into the sacred and the spiritual – distinctly feminine, powerful, and true.
The wisdom of these ancient, sacred women is what invites and compels us to trust and act upon the wisdom that (already and always) dwells within us.
And that trust? That wisdom?
It’s everything!
Good news: you don’t have to dive into these old stories yourself in order to access this sacred wisdom. (That’s what I do on your behalf!) *Whew!*
Your only “work” is to reach out and take the wisdom that is rightfully yours. (Oh, and believe it, apply it, trust it, live it.)
It’s as simple as picking an apple from a tree and taking a bite . . . (Yes, the Eve-reference is on purpose.)
My work with these stories.
Available, accessible, and applicable for you via SacredReadings, my SacredMuse Card Deck, my book Rewriting Eve, even 1:1 work together.