Generational Wisdom

A series of events led me to offer shiny new $1 coins to a group of people in leadership positions. It’s part of a game:

Pick any coin you wish as a good luck charm or money magnet. The gold colored coins are the presidential coins. The silver coins are the Susan B. Anthony coins.

One of the men announced to the group:

“I don’t want a Susan B. Anthony coin. I don’t believe in women’s suffrage.”

I stared in stunned silence – waiting for my brain to comprehend what I was hearing. The man took a presidential coin and walked away before I regained my ability to speak. 

I turned my attention toward two men who witnessed the exchange. I pleaded with them to restore my faith in humanity, and please tell me you believe in a women’s right to vote. One man shrugged, and the other replied:

“I can’t say that. But I can say what’s done is done. We should accept it and move forward.” 

The 19th Amendment, officially guaranteeing a woman’s right to vote, was passed over 100 years ago. And this is the conversation I’m having now??!! You don’t think women should have the right to vote?

My shock turned into hot rage. We all have the capacity to be cruel, and I was ready to fight. And then, despite my initial malevolence, I remembered:

My mother raised me to be smarter than hate.

My mom taught me a better way to change someone’s beliefs. She taught me how to pause and take a deep breath when I am upset. She taught me to make an educated choice — a better choice — even when my emotions want me to scream a brutal response. 

My mom taught me to see each and every person as an individual with individual opinions – regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, age, ability, origin, status, or gender. 

My mom was the first woman in her family to graduate from college. She believed in the power of education and kindness. She used wisdom to fight the cruelties of this world. She was powerful and purposeful.

And, I am her daughter. I am a living legacy. I am the beneficiary of countless people who fought and suffered for my rights. I am the recipient of generational wisdom. 

My mother used her power to positively impact people, and I plan to do the same. When I become enraged by anyone who still believes women – or any other human being – should have less rights than a person in power, I remember this:

I know how to fight for minority rights.

I know how to create confidence instead of cruelty. 

I know how to be smarter than hate. 

I know how to help people grow their gifts. And, with thanks to my mom, Susan B. Anthony, and generational wisdom,

I know how to use my power.