Thank goodness for the strong men who don’t need or desire meek, submissive partners. Or I would be in big trouble and so would my mother. Have a great trip! Can’t wait to hear about it soon.
I totally agree, Teresa, and feel fortunate to have "fetched up" with one of them. Likewise, my mother and hers. Still, it's hard to believe how many generations of women have suffered at the hands of the others.
You are right on. Unfortunately, we live in a world filled with mythology, superstition, fantasy, biblical folklore.and interpretations, and a little bit too much prejudiced BS thrown in the mix... Nobody is prouder to be a man than I.... And for the most part God did a pretty good job of creating this awkward figure... Having had the very best of mothers.... the most helpful and sacrificial wife.... two creative and wonderful daughters...and having worked in my profession with the best female coordinators ever..... I've had wonderful experiences with the best of the opposite sex... I actually feel I have grown smarter and become more aware of life, thanks to whom, I know for a fact... are the stronger sex...... I'm pretty good at what I do and what I did.... But when I'm honest about it and look at the greatest influences on my life it has to come those early people... the Liliths or Eves......females... They have my total respect...
"A little bit too much prejudiced BS" indeed! Like you, I appreciate what I've learned from the positive role models in my life, regardless of gender, and I count you among them. We're meant to be collaborators in this existence, and not just with other humans but also with all of earth's inhabitants. A shame it's so hard for some to see that, but I feel fortunate and grateful to have met up in this lifetime with more who do. Thanks so much, Barry.
im so glad I sat down to read this. you always impress me with your magical way with words. so true and so sad what so many have had to endure. Im fortunate I didn't work in a male dominated field and fortunately I have a respectful and appreciative husband as well as 2 sons with amazing women as wives and mothers to their children. we live by good example and as I age I realize more and more how fortunate I have been to have the good strong kind people as influencers in my life.
Yes to all of this, Susan! While I know I am among the fortunate few who lucked into what feels like a healthy, balanced partnership, sometimes I can't move past the sadness and anger I feel on behalf of those who've had very different experiences. Not to mention those who have faced even more horrific circumstances at the hands of those driven to dominate. The good influences are worthy of praise!
Really appreciate you joining the conversation today.
You've knitted together the story old as time itself, as they say. No wonder the early editors of the Bible decided not to include the Lilith story. "Let's just start with Eve - cleaner origin story, more memorable: woman does something stupid, God gets angry, beginning of sin. Badda-boom." How many of our Capitalist artifacts have a label on the bottom: "Made by men for men"? Lots. Thanks for shining a light on this. We guys can play a bigger role in dismantling and challenging and standing ground.
Stew, thank you. I'm smiling at how we both had some fun with a fictionalized quote or two. Badda-boom ::rim shot::
I'm stealing "made for men by men." In fact, I think I need a digital rubber stamp that says just that.
I also appreciate you acknowledging the opportunity for guys to play a more significant role in women's futures. One of the most appalling aspects of the many of the victim's stories here is how many people knew and did nothing.
I recently got a new car. She’s dark gray with a little sparkle and she’s powerful and headstrong. She knows her mind and takes no shit. I looked at her and thought - Lilith. Her name is Lilith. She helps me remember that even at this stage of my life and in this time, maybe especially at this stage of my life and this time in history, I still have my dark and edgy side and can stand my ground. Always, Elizabeth, thank you.
The Bible according to Beggins is a spiritual movement I can get behind. Thank you for mentioning the most recent women who act in the spirit of Lilith...E Jean, the Epstein survivors, an army of women who won't be silenced and are willing to make good trouble. As always you are sharp as a knife. Have an incredible journey down under. ❤️
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm all for solidarity (spiritual and otherwise) with the Lilith-adjacent of the world. Lilith Love Thugs is a little too lispy, but we know she's got to be the OG LT. Always glad you have you here, Eileen.
Beth, having only been in and around Sydney, I'm sure I've missed much of what Australia has to offer. If you get a wild hair (somehow it feels like Australia ought to just go ahead and claim wild *hare*) and want to swing through the city, let me know.
I love this one. This is the second time in a week that Lilith has crossed my reading path. A therapist I'm working with suggested I learn about Hecate, who is often associated with Lilith. Both are tellers of truth, linked with darkness. At first, I was taken aback. (I'm to be finding a figure symbolic of myself.) Thank you for helping me see both characters in such a positive, powerful light. Wishing you safe travels and a rich experience with your daughter.
She is on the move, I'm telling you. Sounds like you've got a savvy therapist, and I am happy to know today's essay helped you see more of the nuance in the Lilith story. If you're interested in sharing, I'd love let me know which figure ends up feeling like the best fit for you.
You understand the anticipation of traveling abroad to see a precious offspring. Once I get all the boxes checked for departure, I'll be able to really let the excitement build. Thanks, Rita.
Let me try again. I love this one Elizabeth and your tracing the story back to Lilith, who simply wanted to be free and be herself and make her own decisions. Why this should be such a forbidden and suspicious cast of mind is certainly not self evident. But you have managed to frame in such a way and to describe the price that women have paid who want to remain independent. You have done this so well and so beautifully written the story. So proud of you and so appreciative that you’ve given me this succinct morsel of story to remind me of the journey, we all are on.
Enjoy your solo journey to Australia and you, dear Rachel.
Such a generous comment, Ann. Thank you. Or maybe we should both thank Lilith? We are in a time of great challenge, but I do continue to find strength and comfort in knowing how many of us are directing our energies toward a more equitable future.
I'm still a bit buried in the to-do list to feel the thrill of the adventure yet, but it's coming. Maybe you and Jim can connect while I'm away? :)
Oh that we all might stand our ground. Thank you for sharing your words and ideas. Travel with care, enjoy your time away, and come back to us on this side of the planet.
:sigh: It is so much easier said than done, isn't it, Roe? We do the best we can with what we have in the moment. Thanks for the traveling mercies, and for being here.
Thank goodness for the strong men who don’t need or desire meek, submissive partners. Or I would be in big trouble and so would my mother. Have a great trip! Can’t wait to hear about it soon.
I totally agree, Teresa, and feel fortunate to have "fetched up" with one of them. Likewise, my mother and hers. Still, it's hard to believe how many generations of women have suffered at the hands of the others.
Thanks for the good travel wishes. Be well!
You are right on. Unfortunately, we live in a world filled with mythology, superstition, fantasy, biblical folklore.and interpretations, and a little bit too much prejudiced BS thrown in the mix... Nobody is prouder to be a man than I.... And for the most part God did a pretty good job of creating this awkward figure... Having had the very best of mothers.... the most helpful and sacrificial wife.... two creative and wonderful daughters...and having worked in my profession with the best female coordinators ever..... I've had wonderful experiences with the best of the opposite sex... I actually feel I have grown smarter and become more aware of life, thanks to whom, I know for a fact... are the stronger sex...... I'm pretty good at what I do and what I did.... But when I'm honest about it and look at the greatest influences on my life it has to come those early people... the Liliths or Eves......females... They have my total respect...
"A little bit too much prejudiced BS" indeed! Like you, I appreciate what I've learned from the positive role models in my life, regardless of gender, and I count you among them. We're meant to be collaborators in this existence, and not just with other humans but also with all of earth's inhabitants. A shame it's so hard for some to see that, but I feel fortunate and grateful to have met up in this lifetime with more who do. Thanks so much, Barry.
im so glad I sat down to read this. you always impress me with your magical way with words. so true and so sad what so many have had to endure. Im fortunate I didn't work in a male dominated field and fortunately I have a respectful and appreciative husband as well as 2 sons with amazing women as wives and mothers to their children. we live by good example and as I age I realize more and more how fortunate I have been to have the good strong kind people as influencers in my life.
Yes to all of this, Susan! While I know I am among the fortunate few who lucked into what feels like a healthy, balanced partnership, sometimes I can't move past the sadness and anger I feel on behalf of those who've had very different experiences. Not to mention those who have faced even more horrific circumstances at the hands of those driven to dominate. The good influences are worthy of praise!
Really appreciate you joining the conversation today.
You've knitted together the story old as time itself, as they say. No wonder the early editors of the Bible decided not to include the Lilith story. "Let's just start with Eve - cleaner origin story, more memorable: woman does something stupid, God gets angry, beginning of sin. Badda-boom." How many of our Capitalist artifacts have a label on the bottom: "Made by men for men"? Lots. Thanks for shining a light on this. We guys can play a bigger role in dismantling and challenging and standing ground.
Stew, thank you. I'm smiling at how we both had some fun with a fictionalized quote or two. Badda-boom ::rim shot::
I'm stealing "made for men by men." In fact, I think I need a digital rubber stamp that says just that.
I also appreciate you acknowledging the opportunity for guys to play a more significant role in women's futures. One of the most appalling aspects of the many of the victim's stories here is how many people knew and did nothing.
Thank you, Elizabeth. And the illustrations are perfect, especially the watermelon!
Have a safe journey and a wonderful visit with your daughter!
Ah, Suzanne. I'm so glad someone mentioned the watermelon! Isn't it phenomenal?!
Thanks for being here and for the traveling mercies. Much appreciated.
I recently got a new car. She’s dark gray with a little sparkle and she’s powerful and headstrong. She knows her mind and takes no shit. I looked at her and thought - Lilith. Her name is Lilith. She helps me remember that even at this stage of my life and in this time, maybe especially at this stage of my life and this time in history, I still have my dark and edgy side and can stand my ground. Always, Elizabeth, thank you.
Vicki, this is awesome! Maybe all of us women should follow suit on naming our cars after powerful female role models. Such a great reminder.
Keep that dark and edgy going, girl. You wear it well! And thanks for chiming in today.
Many stories and traumas...and many places where folklore is magical as well.
Have a wonderful trip, and if you find you need another suitcase, I'll bring one!
Ha -- thank you, Jill. I love that offer to bring another suitcase, and I'm grateful to have you among my readers.
The Bible according to Beggins is a spiritual movement I can get behind. Thank you for mentioning the most recent women who act in the spirit of Lilith...E Jean, the Epstein survivors, an army of women who won't be silenced and are willing to make good trouble. As always you are sharp as a knife. Have an incredible journey down under. ❤️
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm all for solidarity (spiritual and otherwise) with the Lilith-adjacent of the world. Lilith Love Thugs is a little too lispy, but we know she's got to be the OG LT. Always glad you have you here, Eileen.
Safe travels. Hoping that the part of Australia you visit is as amazing as my bit. Enjoy!!
Beth, having only been in and around Sydney, I'm sure I've missed much of what Australia has to offer. If you get a wild hair (somehow it feels like Australia ought to just go ahead and claim wild *hare*) and want to swing through the city, let me know.
I love this one. This is the second time in a week that Lilith has crossed my reading path. A therapist I'm working with suggested I learn about Hecate, who is often associated with Lilith. Both are tellers of truth, linked with darkness. At first, I was taken aback. (I'm to be finding a figure symbolic of myself.) Thank you for helping me see both characters in such a positive, powerful light. Wishing you safe travels and a rich experience with your daughter.
She is on the move, I'm telling you. Sounds like you've got a savvy therapist, and I am happy to know today's essay helped you see more of the nuance in the Lilith story. If you're interested in sharing, I'd love let me know which figure ends up feeling like the best fit for you.
You understand the anticipation of traveling abroad to see a precious offspring. Once I get all the boxes checked for departure, I'll be able to really let the excitement build. Thanks, Rita.
I do know that anticipation! And all the costs and rewards. A rich time, in so many ways. Will be holding you in my heart.
Elizabeth, I love this one tracing back to
Lilith
Let me try again. I love this one Elizabeth and your tracing the story back to Lilith, who simply wanted to be free and be herself and make her own decisions. Why this should be such a forbidden and suspicious cast of mind is certainly not self evident. But you have managed to frame in such a way and to describe the price that women have paid who want to remain independent. You have done this so well and so beautifully written the story. So proud of you and so appreciative that you’ve given me this succinct morsel of story to remind me of the journey, we all are on.
Enjoy your solo journey to Australia and you, dear Rachel.
Such a generous comment, Ann. Thank you. Or maybe we should both thank Lilith? We are in a time of great challenge, but I do continue to find strength and comfort in knowing how many of us are directing our energies toward a more equitable future.
I'm still a bit buried in the to-do list to feel the thrill of the adventure yet, but it's coming. Maybe you and Jim can connect while I'm away? :)
Oh that we all might stand our ground. Thank you for sharing your words and ideas. Travel with care, enjoy your time away, and come back to us on this side of the planet.
:sigh: It is so much easier said than done, isn't it, Roe? We do the best we can with what we have in the moment. Thanks for the traveling mercies, and for being here.
👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
As a forgone student of Cultural Anthropology.. my heart resonates with this. I know it to be true. I've got no idea how the world got so rearranged.