As I continue my “Strong Women” series, I think about all the amazing women (including TV/movie/book characters) who, throughout history, have helped shaped the world- even if solely by inspiration.
Whether real or fictional, women have repeatedly demonstrated that we are natural leaders.
Deborah
Judges 4:4-5
4 Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.
Deborah was the only female and the only prophet among the 12 judges.
She was faithful to God, always acting with integrity in her duties, and relying on his authority and guidance.
Even in the male-dominated culture of that time, Deborah’s leadership and wisdom was respected and followed by the Israelites because they knew of her obedience to God. Under her direction, the Israelites defeated the Canaanites, resulting in peace throughout the land for 40 years.
Very well, I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman.
Captain Samantha Carter
From: Stargate SG-1 (TV series & movies)
“Carter”, as she is affectionately called by most of her colleagues in the show, is a science expert with a Ph.D. in theoretical astrophysics. She’s also a decorated soldier and pilot.
Dr. Samantha Carter is a strong woman with a good heart who cares about the people who come into her life. She is equal to her male counterparts in character, integrity and capacity.
She is kind, loyal, and a total bad-ass, as shown in the video.
A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everybody else.
(Brunnhilde) Valkyrie of Asgard
Like the Dora Malaji, the Valkyrie are an elite force of women warriors.
The Valkyrie are known for being brave, noble and selfless, fully committed to protecting Asgard, its people and the Valkyrie sisterhood.
With lightning reflexes, regenerative healing abilities and the longevity that is common to Asgardians, she is formidable foe. In addition, she a masterful combatant, whether armed or unarmed. She is a skilled with swords, knives, and spears, is an expert pilot and multi-lingual, speaking several different alien species language.
While the Valkyrie possesses superhuman physical attributes (stamina, speed and agility, as well as strength & durability), she is not without her own struggles.
Like most women, she feels she must bear the weight of the world on her shoulders.
In addition, she carries the burden of survivor’s guilt, as well as the sense of failing her king, her people and her fellow Valkyrie.
Valkyrie has a special place in my heart because it is so easy for me to relate to her struggles-
After all, don’t all of us, at one time or another, feel as though we aren’t enough, haven’t done enough or have failed those we love in some way?
Nevertheless, when the chips are down and the deck is stacked against her (or us), we rise to the challenge- for ourselves, our family, and all those we love.
She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.
Sarah Connor: Mother, fugitive, guerrilla fighter
From: The Terminator movie franchise
Sarah Connor, even in her late teens and early twenties, was very independent, but it is her experiences running from, and then fighting Terminators, that forced her to draw on a resilience she did not know she possessed to address situations beyond anything she could have ever imagined.
We see her evolution from a damsel-in-distress to a hardened guerrilla fighter, who is intent on protecting her son and preventing the future she has been warned about.
I find her character to be relatable because she is flawed in a myriad of ways. She is an imperfect mother, but she loves her son and is fiercely determined to protect him at all costs. Yet, she isn’t a great mom. She spent so much of her energy focusing on protecting and preparing her son for the future that lay ahead, that nurturing, tenderness and affection were often overlooked or altogether absent.
Sarah Connor is tough and NOT tender, but her love is unquestionable and her fortitude is inspiring. It reminds me that when we are trying to do our best AND trying to do the right thing, we may not get it right, even though our intentions are sincere. And when you know you are not getting it exactly right, but you keep trying… well, that is a strength all its own.
A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.
Hermione Granger: Muggle, Witch, Intellectual, Bibliophile
The Harry Potter series
Watching the Hermione Granger character grow up throughout the HP series is, for many girls, a reflection of some of our own experiences. Many cultures and societies discourage girls/women from displaying their intelligence and confidence… We hear phrases such as “know-it-all” and “too big for her britches”, yet must move through a patriarchal society with a smile on our face and a pleasant demeanor, despite the double standards endured.
Hermione’s character evolution shows maturity and hope- not just in her character, but also in society as a whole, which begins to embrace, approve and celebrate her gifts.
And, she is to be commended for her other attributes; Beyond her studious & disciplined nature, we also see her heart in all her decisions. She is not afraid to show fear, yet chooses courage instead. Her integrity and loyalty make her a steadfast and trustworthy friend.
Yet, like all of us, she is not without her flaws- we see her own insecurities come to light when she becomes impatient and critical of others. However, as she grows up, she becomes more accepting and self-assured, which allows her to show more grace and patience to those around her.
Like all of us, she is trying to find where she fits into the world (Muggle & Magical), and along the way, she refuses to compromise who she really is.
Knowing who you are and fully embracing it requires both strength and courage, which she has in abundance.
We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational, and so disciplined they can be free.
Natalia Alianovna “Natasha” Romanoff AKA Black Widow
S.H.I.E.L.D. Operative, Spy, Assassin, Martial Arts Master
Marvel Comics & Movies
At Some Point, We All Have To Choose Between What The World Wants You To Be And Who You Are.
However, it is the softer sides of her character that we see revealed in small snippets throughout the MCU:
- Keeping Hawkeye’s family secret,
- The undisguised love she has for Hawkeye’s entire family, especially his children,
- The guilt and shame she carries about past transgressions,
- Her own yearning for a partner and family
- Her self-sacrifice
