Come sit by me!!!
This has got to be one of my favorite lines in a movie.......period. If you're not familiar (you should be) with this line.....its from one of my all time favorite movies, Steel Magnolias.
This movie is about the trials and tribulations of 6 women from the south as they go through life, marriage, bringing new life into the world, and watching a life come to an end. Most women I know can quote this movie line for line, and I'm not ashamed to admit, I am one of them. It makes me wonder though, just how many women do we know that are like the characters in this movie? Just how do you inherit the title of "Steel Magnolia?"
I believe all women are delicate, beautiful and capable of anything in the world. But lets take a minute and break down the name "Steel Magnolia." The definition of the word "steel" in the noun form is "A hard, strong, gray or bluish-gray alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used extensively as a structural and fabricating material." The verb form is "Mentally prepare (oneself) to do or face something difficult." (google.com)
I bet you know a few women who are "tough as steel." I know I do.
Let's take a look at the word, "magnolia." As we all know, magnolia is a flower that grows on a tree. Creamy and delicate, this flower is by far my favorite flower in the world!
When you combine the two, you get the definition of a woman who never loses her femininity, remaining soft and delicate, yet resilient, ready to face the world and all it has coming at her. God's most brilliant creation. Quite a few ladies I know fit this description to a tee.
I think as women, we should all strive to be "Steel Magnolias." We should remain soft, delicate and beautiful, but we should also take all life has to throw at us in stride. There is nothing wrong with being tough, but if you let the tough parts of life get to you, you become "hard" and not at all magnolia-like. I'm not saying lay down and become life's door mat, but there is a fine line between steel magnolia and just steel that we should not cross.
I say we make a pact as women to try to never cross this line, as tempting as it may be at times with so much adversity coming at us these days, and preserve our femininity. Ladies, we are beautiful and perfect creatures created by a God who obviously knows what he is doing! Lets honor Him by staying that way!
You have my word, from this moment forward, I will strive to remain a Steel Magnolia!! Now, who's with me?
