Today is designated as International Women’s Day! It’s been that way since the early 20th Century. For me, it is just another way of saying, “Happy Equality Day!” And, what’s this year’s theme?  #BalanceforBetter, “meant to promote a future in which both men and women are equal in professional status, media perception, the positions they hold in government and more.”

I look forward to the day when we can look at each other and see equality in everyone and then live from that place. I know that this is the way I live my life, and I am grateful to know and witness so many people who do the same.

What does it mean to be equal. I understand all the ways we think about it in the world of form. We are equal in that we have the capacity to have the same jobs, no matter what our gender or sexual preference. We are equal in that we can make the same salaries and have the same opportunities everywhere. We are equally powerful, intelligent, loving and capable.

But, why are we equal? It is because within each of us is the same Power – Unlimited and Infinite. There is nothing in-between us and the Divine Presence, and because of this we are capable of everything, no matter how we have shown up on this plane of existence. Our diversity blesses the world right where we stand and beyond. It is our responsibility to live that diversity to the fullest and with passion.

The fact that we express this idea of equality poorly in our world is the root of all our problems. Domination over other people or the environment is separation and separation continues to bring us turmoil, violence and unbalance in everything. I am knowing that this dis-ease is healing right now.

I also know that sometimes the pendulum has to swing very far in the other direction before there is balance. Thus, we stand strongly for the rights of women right now and the LGBTQIA community also.

This is not a heterosexual world or a world of male dominance, or of female dominance for that matter. It is a Divine world of multiplicity, where we are free to live our uniqueness for the benefit of all. So, today as we celebrate International Women’s Day, the Divine Feminine and the Power of women and their reach, let us not forget that the real deal here is equality and balance.

I honor all the amazing women in my life. There are too many to mention, but I will begin with my Grandma Caroline Hertz. She was my mom’s mom. My grandma left home at fourteen to work in the factories. Most amazingly of all, she was a suffragette. I am so proud to know that she stood for equality for all. Wherever you are, Grandma, thank you for your contribution to all women and all the men who were and are willing to stand in equality, too.

Happy International Women’s Day and may there be #BalanceforBetter now.

Love and Aloha,

Rev. Rita