About this women’s march… I went. And I’m glad I did. And apparently, a whole bunch of others did too. But here’s the thing: I really struggled with my decision to go.

I had to get to my own reasons and motives. I needed to pray for God’s idea for me and talk with friends. And when I did, I started owning that I was afraid, and worried that my walking might endorse un-peaceful protest which I am very much against. I worried that my showing up would look like full endorsement of some beliefs that I do not hold, and, here’s the really embarrassing part, I worried about what people might think of me.

At 62, still worrying about other’s disapproval.

In the end, I found inspiration from a friend of my sisters’ idea of what Trudy might say to me, “Follow your heart and be safe”. I settled in, knowing and believing that my reasons are my business and too important to me to stay home in silence. And in finding this reading in my morning time. I copied this passage and pasted it on a piece of paper for my pocket, alongside some phone numbers in case I needed help.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.-Romans 8:37-38

As it turned out, my reasons were good enough to get me off the couch and walking with others today. But, had they not been enough, there is this picture of a young girl, looking on from the safety of her father’s shoulders, to what I believe freedom looks like. Not just for women, but for all of us. For all of Us.

NOTE: The (First) amendment as adopted in 1791 reads as follows: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.