Last week I had the opportunity to lead a discussion with high school girls about the topic of feminism. Before this opportunity my thoughts on feminism were limited. I knew I was a believer in strong women and empowerment, but had not combined these thoughts with feminism. It did not take long in my preparation for these discussions that I had a vivid picture of my mom.

As I discovered terms like equality, strength, empower, world changer, and standing up for what is right, it made me realize what a beautiful example my mom is of feminism. NOT feminism in the wrongly, often used stereotypical terms, such as, man hater or girl rebel and not as a liberal feminist, radical feminist, or feminazi…but as a beautiful picture of strength and determination.

My mom has faced challenges and heart ache in her life like a brave, warrior. Bold and confident is how my mom thrives. Many that know her today only see an extraordinary grandmother and a successful business woman. Those that have known her longer, have seen the struggles as she forged the path to where she is now. She has always been a fun, mom and creative entrepreneur, but it was not always as easy as she makes it look now.

I remember her working long days, nights and weekends so her 3 kids would be provided for. She worked really hard and God provided. I remember her customers buying us tires because they knew we needed them and could not afford them. I remember celebrating when she did a pedicure because that money went to something great that she was saving for our family.

I remember her taking risks to a new location or adding new nail stations only thinking if this would be better for all of the ladies working in the salon. I remember her wanting to buy a run down, falling apart, stinky house, that she said we would live in, because she saw the vision of a beautiful home. When everyone else, said, “no way”, she said, “why not, I am going to do it!”

She did. She had a successful nail salon that allowed multiple women to work and provide for their families. She stepped in to help her mother and took greater risks by owning and managing a larger full service salon. Her memories of that season include being overwhelmed. Her kid’s memories of that time are of growth and fun!

We have always had fun. She is so spontaneous and creative that there is never a dull moment. She is full of life and energy and always thinking and doing or thinking and telling us how to do it or how to get it done! She can find the good when there seems to be none.

Not only that, she created a home for my brother and sister and I to thrive. We were taught independence and determination and responsibility. We felt safe and loved. We were taught hospitality and love. We were shown how to give, how to trust, how to have faith. She taught us how to love people, all people, regardless of race, appearance, language they speak, or social standing. She taught us that people are people.

She is crazy brave and adventurous and after having successful businesses in the beauty world she changed careers to help her grandmother. What she thought was a temporary post 25 years ago to help her grandmother (and to buy her precious first born a car) has become a new way of life. She nurtured and grew an income tax business that now serves thousands of people a year, is a rental management office, and a property/business development consulting office.

She lived out and still lives out love. Jesus shines so brightly in her, that we were and are all led to Him because of her faith and trust in Him. She has always been clear that the reason she takes risk, gives so much, and forgives so quickly is because of the work of Jesus in her life.

I grew up in a salon, helping in the family business. I have been blessed this last year and a half to get to work with her again full time. Obviously, it is different because now we do taxes and then we did nails and hair! It is much the same as it was in my youth. It is the same in that she is always thinking how can we do it better. How can we serve better? How can we be more efficient? It is the same in that she is innovative, creative, and generous.

Regardless of the job, ministry, task or event, we are in the people business. As a youth I saw her serve people as she held their hand and did their nails. As a youth she had us serving in church. She supported all of our adventures and ministry opportunities.

Now numbers and taxes is her mode of service. She has built a business that people trust. People trust her with decisions in their business, but they also trust her for guidance in their lives. She cries with them, she laughs with them, she guides them, and they name their children after her!

She is still my biggest supporter in whatever passion or dream I envision. She loves my kids while I am on adventures. She takes us on adventures! She hosts ladies’ events, a whole grade level of kids for a swim party, or our current favorite craft night. She taught us so well to dream big, and she continues now to support and encourage us all along the way!

As I led that discussion on feminism, I was reminded of a time in the early years of her being a single mom and business owner. We just had the nail shop, The Nailery, and the electricity had gone out, blown a breaker. It was night time and the breaker box was at the back of the building. There were four of us. She was at the breaker, my sister was at one corner of the building, my brother was at another corner of the building, and I stood at the door to the shop. She would flip a breaker, “is that it?”, she would flip another breaker, “it that it?”, “no”, “no”, “no”, “is that it?”, YES!”, “Yes!”,” Yes!” She, we had fixed the electricity.

It was then that the song/chant was created that would follow us to today! “I can fry up the bacon, I can fry up the ham, I can fix the electricity as good as the OG&E man!” I am not sure how the real song goes, but this is always how we sang it. This is what she lives. She believes she can and she does! Be smart, work hard, ask questions, honor God.

So, when thinking of feminism, this is why I think of my mom. She is brave and strong and a real life story of being a woman and believing she can do it, and doing it. She has never let being a woman stop her from anything. She fights for what is right. She gives generously. She fights for equality of all people and will invite anyone into her home! She loves big and lives loud! I love her so much and am so thankful for the brave, strong woman she is and has taught me to be!

Happy Mother’s Day, Momma! Jill Natalie