This is my choice. What or whom am I going to let define me: trials, accolades, sickness, or maybe societal roles? I choose to follow the stepping stones laid by the strong women behind me!

Here in the United States this last week, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the women’s right to vote for which brave, determined, enlightened, out-spoken, and radical women like my grandmother marched. In the 1920s, my grandmother, pictured here on the far left, was featured in a Suffragette and Women’s Temperance Union parade through the heart of San Antonio. These two women’s movements were woven together to rally against societal issues concerning the treatment of women. They persevered and fought together, sisters holding hands with other sisters, to get the job of women’s rights done.

My own historian sister has recently chronicled my mom’s legacy anchored by old black and white photos such as this one. You can see in my grandmother’s stance that the joyous and committed bravery which resided in her heart, was summoned at just such a time. She stepped out of her societal role and lay down stepping stones for her future generations.

Because of her and my mom, I don’t have to search for minuscule marking pebbles dropped along a track. My grandmother and mother laid down well placed stepping stones, customizing a clear path for me to be able to step into my purpose.

Trust in the stepping stones! I’m to confidently stride forward, intentionally firm in the knowledge that I am called to be my utmost. I can always take one step forward and do the next right and just thing in front of me.

What do I allow to define me?