Week 1-"We Can Do It"

On this Labor Day weekend, Rick and I decided to venture for the first time to Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front, a National Historical Park in Richmond, California. Random, we know, but worth it.  This historical place made up of valuable stories of the people on the American Home Front is home to this famous fictional character who represented the six million women workers streaming into the industrial workplace during World War II.  The US government actively recruited women while also persuading men to welcome them into what was thought to be a man's world.  

We learned, "Many female defense workers were riveters, and the 'Rosie the Riveter' icon and song were a central part of the campaign...."  Richmond became known for Henry Kaiser's shipyards where 747 ships were built and launched to expand the US cargo fleet.  They also were known to give women jobs and by 1944 women "made up 41 percent of welders".  Besides Rosie, there was Wendy the Welder.  As we celebrate Labor Day, it is important to remember all the contributions of men and women past and present who make our country strong and good.  

In addition, I am currently reading the Boys in the Boat which is a beautifully written true story about nine hardworking boys on the University of Washington's crew team with an extraordinary "We Can Do It" attitude. We are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for when we put our mind, backbone, and heart into it.  So often we have the attitude it can't be done so why try.  (Thankfully these boys on the boat did, and not just once but many times!)  My goal this week is to say, "I can" and "I will" and have faith to follow through on those intents.  

When I began my Mommeries blog, a year seemed a long way off.  I took it a day at a time.  Some times in life the things we need a can-do attitude for are often challenging and even scary so we learn to endure and persevere one day at a time for as long as it takes.  And we need to remember "with God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27).

This Week's Discovery:  A Labor of Love