What Makes You a Woman?

It’s all over the news. The stunning Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer. Her mother died of ovarian cancer when she was 56, which puts Jolie at a higher risk for ovarian and breast cancer, so she decided to undergo the surgery of removing her breast tissue.

There has been some controversy about her surgery from many people, but ultimately she made a huge decision about taking control of her health the best that she can. Because of her celebrity status, she has not only caused a stir among men and women, but more importantly to me, she has brought up the conversation about what it means to be a woman.

More often than not, I get “double-takes” usually when I’m walking in or out of the women’s bathroom. Why? Well, if you’ve never seen me in person, I am 5’10”, have very short hair, broad shoulders, strong legs, and I’m usually wearing a T-shirt and shorts that hang right above my knee. I have even been told that I walk with a “saunter.” Needless to say, I get mistaken for a “young man,” or “sir,” or “bro” as I’m sometimes called.

Most women have no idea what it’s like to have their “womanhood” challenged, but I have and it’s made me understand many things. It has made me dig deep into the meaning of a woman.

I’ve heard and seen many judge a woman by “what” she is and “how” she looks, dresses, or acts. My experience has made me appreciate that a woman is not defined by what she wears or how she looks; rather, a woman is defined by “who” she is. I’ve realized that I am no less of a woman than the lady who wears dresses, stilettos, and has long, flowing hair. I am no less of a woman because I have short hair, broad shoulders and I choose to wear shorts and T-shirts every day. Likewise, Angelina Jolie is no less of a woman because she removed her breast tissue.

I believe that it takes a lot of courage to go against the norm of how a woman is supposed to look according to society. My hope is that through Angelina Jolie’s experience, which has sparked so much attention and conversation, we all, men and women alike, begin to comprehend that it is not “how” one looks on the outside that makes her a woman, but “who” she is on the inside.

What about you?  Do you sometimes feel that you are judged by others?  Please come over to my Facebook page and let’s talk about it.  I’d love to hear your story.

Kim