The Real Rosie the Riveter

I just found out the real Rosie the Riveter, Mary Doyle Keefe, died on April 23 at age 92. She was the model for the Norman Rockwell painting which symbolized the strength and contributions of women in the war effort during World War II has died.

And looking at the powerful image, I was struck.

An overall-clad Keefe is depicted with a sandwich in one hand and her right arm sitting on top of a lunch box with the word "Rosie" on it. A rivet gun sits in her lap. The painting intended to raise war morale. It showed a strong, capable woman.

Again, it made me think of the Proverbs 31 Woman criteria, especially these verses:

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.

¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

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.”

There’s no mention of a perfect bikini body or aesthetic standard she dutifully meets. She is noble, strong and a woman of integrity.

 Oh, if only we could truly celebrate the entirety of Rosie’s virtues! If only we saw value beyond the superficial. May we, as females, truly embody Rosie’s Proverbs 31 Woman spirit!

Copyright © 2015 by Sheryle Cruse