When facing a challenge, what person’s story pushes you over the last wave of fear? Who inspires you to try, to move, to win?
Everything we face today at some point was harder, perhaps even impossible. But someone did not give up. Someone made it possible. We can stand humbled by others’ stories, or we can honor them by moving ourselves, inspired to action by their stories. The courage of others can become our own.
When I consider this question for myself, there are several people, women in particular that come to mind. But there is one that is very personal. I’m often asked about the name of my company: The Mackenzie Circle and its significance. Let me share with you a story and introduce you to Molly Mackenzie.
The first thing to know about Molly Mackenzie is that her parents were of different descent, one Cherokee and the other white. Other facts to know are that she married and had four children but her husband was an alcoholic. There was a divorce, leaving her with no support. Why is this remarkable? She was born in 1887, a very different time.
A half breed girl with four children that had the courage to expect more from life and for her children than what others said she could have. Undaunted, she started her own business and achieved success personally and professionally. How did my company come to share her name? She was my great-grandmother.
Molly’s story has inspired me many times in the course of my life. I call them my “Molly Moments”. I have no actual memory of her, only a faded photograph. It is, however, my honor to be the current custodian of her last favorite bonnet, sewn by her own hand. I’m also at work finishing a quilt that she began and my grandmother continued. Both of these gifts have passed down over generations. They have kept her stories and her courage alive for the generations that followed, including my own granddaughters and one day, their daughters, my great-granddaughters.
March is Women in History month. We will be hearing about many wonderful stories and legacies of courage. The tapestry of our shared history is rich with them. What is important is that we go beyond sharing their stories and integrate them into our own. With each generation we must strengthen the cords of courage.
Live today like you want tomorrow to be. The tomorrow you want for yourself, your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond. Live well.