Beech Tree News Network

I’ve been thinking about the many people I admire. Literature, history, and the world around us are filled with people who have made a difference, contributing positively in some way to family and/or society. Now, I want to focus on some women whom I admire.

Five of the women whom I admire are listed below. Each has made a unique contribution to our world. In spite of human weaknesses, they were able to stand out from the crowd.
1.    Esther from the Old Testament (sometime about c. 520 B.C.-450 B.C.) – Esther risked her life to save her people.
2.    Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994) – Following the tragic assassination of her husband, Jackie Kennedy was able to create a life for herself and raise her children. Her choices helped our nation grieve following the president’s death, and later they shielded her children, providing them a degree of privacy.
3.    Diane Sawyer (1945- ) – Sawyer carved out a highly successful career as a TV journalist. In her reporting, she appeared calm. I admire her apparent integrity and like seeing a Kentuckian enjoy such success.
4.    J.K. (Joanne) Rowling (1965- ) – J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter fantasy series. She has quite an imagination with a work ethic to match. Her creations have delighted children for about two decades.
5.    Joanna Gaines (1978- ) – Joanna Gaines has a sense of style that is unusual. Her creativity has resulted in the HGTV’s Fixer Upper programming, the Magnolia Market at the Silos in Waco, and The Magnolia Journal -- all well done (I wish she would fix up my house!). I also admire her seemingly natural inclusion of family into these projects.

On a more personal level, my family and friends have also earned my respect and admiration. Some of those people include:
1.    My grandmother – Grandmother sacrificed to care for four generations: her parents, her brothers, her children and her grandchildren. She routinely put family before self.
2.    My mother – Mom raised six children, set expectations and helped us to learn. She was a loving and dependable parent, providing a good example of a Christian mother.
3.    My aunt – My aunt listened to me and encouraged me as I grew up. She set a good example by her actions/behavior. She was both family and friend.
4.    My sister – My sister is thoughtful and generous…the family member who knows birthdates and anniversaries and who shows up when I need her. Her priorities are God, family and work. With each year, I appreciate her more.
5.    A mentor and friend – This woman has been both friend and teacher. She has provided opportunities for me to learn and patiently shared her experiences. She invested in me personally, becoming an encouraging, precious friend.
Like most of you, family and friends are invaluable to me.

Theophile Gautier (1811-1872) said, “To love is to admire with the heart; to admire is to love with the mind” (https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/admire.html). In my opinion, these people are remarkable in many ways. I am thankful for their examples and for their influence.