I just finished this incredible book, “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg. You may have heard about it; it’s been in the news recently. Sandberg, famous for working at Google and now, Facebook, has sent this signal flare to women- and humankind at large. She believes women should go full steam ahead, especially when it concerns their careers, “leaning in.” In a speech, she includes the following…
“…I hope you have the ambition to lean in to your career and run the world. Because the world needs you to change it. Women all around the world are counting on you.”
Whew! Who’s revved up and/or overwhelmed? But yes, bravo, for that statement!
So, yes, you can probably guess the tone of the book. Sandberg addresses several topics, including women’s fear/holding back issues, success and likeability, the myth of doing it all and the importance of talking about the issue openly in not just the workplace, but also everyday life. Equality between the sexes still doesn’t exist. In spite of great strides in society, feminism and a more dominant presence of women in the marketplace, sexism, discrimination, sexual harassment and a negative perception of women, coming from BOTH genders, still exists.
She doesn’t flinch from the tricky reality. We can, all too often, get squeamish with it. It’s more comforting to say things are equal and great for everyone. But women are still facing uphill battles, having to prove themselves more than men. It’s the way it is and no, it’s no right. Sandberg encourages us to discuss the reality. She advocates greater support, championing and changes which are conducive, not hostile toward women. Again, bravo.
And, as I was reading the book, the Proverbs 31 Woman was never far from my mind:
"10A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Proverbs 31:10-31
I do recommend reading this wonderful book. Knowledge- and support of women, the women in our lives and our very selves- are both powerful and vital! Let’s lean in to that today!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Lean In
I just finished this incredible book, “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg. You may have heard about it; it’s been in the news recently. Sandberg, famous for working at Google and now, Facebook, has sent this signal flare to women- and humankind at large. She believes women should go full steam ahead, especially when it concerns their careers, “leaning in.” In a speech, she includes the following…
“…I hope you have the ambition to lean in to your career and run the world. Because the world needs you to change it. Women all around the world are counting on you.”
Whew! Who’s revved up and/or overwhelmed? But yes, bravo, for that statement!
So, yes, you can probably guess the tone of the book. Sandberg addresses several topics, including women’s fear/holding back issues, success and likeability, the myth of doing it all and the importance of talking about the issue openly in not just the workplace, but also everyday life. Equality between the sexes still doesn’t exist. In spite of great strides in society, feminism and a more dominant presence of women in the marketplace, sexism, discrimination, sexual harassment and a negative perception of women, coming from BOTH genders, still exists.
She doesn’t flinch from the tricky reality. We can, all too often, get squeamish with it. It’s more comforting to say things are equal and great for everyone. But women are still facing uphill battles, having to prove themselves more than men. It’s the way it is and no, it’s no right. Sandberg encourages us to discuss the reality. She advocates greater support, championing and changes which are conducive, not hostile toward women. Again, bravo.
And, as I was reading the book, the Proverbs 31 Woman was never far from my mind:
"10A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Proverbs 31:10-31
I do recommend reading this wonderful book. Knowledge- and support of women, the women in our lives and our very selves- are both powerful and vital! Let’s lean in to that today!
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