For The Ladies: Fragility?

[FutureCarmeliteClaire]

[quote name='MissyP89' timestamp='1341877510' post='2454129']
I like delicate. In some sense, I even like vulnerable (in the sense that deep friendships and relationships are cultivated in vulnerability).

But I don't like people telling me I'm easily broken. Even if it's true.
[/quote]
THIS.

I have felt fragile before. But not in a good way. I suppose it's good to surrender yourself to God in a "fragile" way, but it all depends what your definition of fragile is, though...

[beatitude]

[quote name='MissyP89' timestamp='1341880322' post='2454150']
But in moments of real trouble -- emotional distress, spiritual struggle, illness, making big life changes or decisions -- I would both want and expect a man's presence and care. In my own life, I'm dealing with some very stressful family concerns right now, and being sheltered and protected by a man in the particularly difficult moments has made it possible for me to stay strong when I would otherwise be unable to on my own.
[/quote]

Would it have to be a man?

There is always a human need for companionship and love. I am just wary of assuming that it has to be provided by a person of a particular sex, because this is when myths such as 'men are meant to be strong and women need to be protected' creep in. When men go through difficult times, they also need care - but often they feel ashamed of that need because of the prevalent view that a man should stand on his own feet, never ask for help, etc. At its most extreme, this kind of thinking forbids men to be weak and makes it impossible for women to be anything else, and it makes the type of love and care you show to someone contingent on their sex.

[PhuturePriest]

I need to stop reading this thread. It's taking all of my props as if I'm a Church Militant and can expend such valuable things without consequence.

[MissyP89]

As a woman, being protected is something I expect -- but there's no way in hell I'm going to walk around acting like a damsel in distress if I can help it. Yes, there are moments, but I agree with you in that it should never be our default, "natural" state. I think it's unbecoming, really.

Re: men, I think it's important to encourage them to be open. It can take a great deal of work, especially if he was raised to fit the stoic stereotype, but if it's not addressed early on (especially in a romantic relationship) it can cause real issues down the line. They need to know that just as they support us, if they need us we [i]will [/i]support them in the same way and without judgment.

Either way, both sexes have periods of needing protection and needing to be protectors. That's not something that should be included in a stereotype or earn the label of "fragile."

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='beatitude' timestamp='1341876397' post='2454118']
*snorts*

I'm sure that was what Holofernes was thinking right before Judith lopped off his head and carried it home in her lunchbag.

Edited to add: if we were made by God to be 'sheltered from the harshness of this world', why are we the ones getting pregnant and giving birth? I am too fragile for this business, I want some kind of seahorse arrangement.
[/quote]

Oh my gosh! I totally got this image of a woman expelling the eggs and the male carrying them in some kind of pouch.

[princessgianna]

[quote name='MissyP89' timestamp='1341875768' post='2454111']
I'm wondering what the women in the phamily think about this quote.

“Women are delicate creatures. Fragile. Gentle. Made by God to be sheltered from the harshness of this world."

Does it ring true to you? Does it offend? What are your thoughts?
[/quote]


My nature exports the gentle civil duty to my people providing a sense civility,
In the wild plains, I transform the lodging into a castle of refuge~
My nature has forever be the emotional rock of society,
Emotions are not feared as I am able to feel deeper yet beneath the sea
My nature rings forth in joy to the continuity of mankind's race
a weak cry of total helplessness is entrusted to me of kind
yet battle be at my door,
my lord and kin laid at waste at the door of hell.
Am I to remain at a frozen state of fear? Be it law that my young be taken insight of me?
Evil threatens my door, its capturing my people
Made to be sheltered, I may have been- yet sheltering am I is the hope!
The warriors are fallen, their horses weak, the hearts stirr’n
Tis this my obligation to my God to what Life calls to be a warrior at time
Donning the armor of my father- drawing my sword since youth
I cry out to the one who dares threatens peace of my life and I slash with no mercy known...
I am called the stronghold, I reside amongst the festivities glad, my face shows beauty to the worthy
weak I may seem to many...
yet unseen is the fortitude I veil, yet unheard are my battle cries, untaste my sword resides
woe it be the first who dares sees me strength, hears my song, and taste the blade
Be it known, my fear is not death




[img]http://www.silverwhistle.co.uk/fanfic/ficpics/EowynWallpaper.jpg[/img]

[Ice_nine]

I agree with whatever beatitude says

[Tab'le De'Bah-Rye]

where all bone china fragile, man and women alike. Hence needing the protection of the all powerful GOD almighty against the elements natural and spiritual, we break easy and those that rekon they don't like hardened criminals snap way easy whether self destruction or destruction of others. Thats my opinion anyway it may be wrong or right, i don't know. Ever wonder where that roof came from? GOD! Ever wonder where that winter coat came from? GOD! Ever wonder where that gift of prayer came from? GOD! Though without weapons naturally man is physically stronger, but in a sense woman is equally strong in child birth. It is a great mystery at times man and women, the whole mystery of this life may not be completely revealed till heaven, if we get there, hopefully we do in faith with love. We can ask the holy mother directly, surely she will know. That reminds me though when i'm bangin up the holy rosary and meditating on the mysteries as often as i can manage i understand that mystery between man and women alot better.

JESUS iz LORD

Edited July 10, 2012 by Tab'le Du'Bah-Rye

[Tab'le De'Bah-Rye]

[quote name='princessgianna' timestamp='1341898544' post='2454266']





[img]http://www.silverwhistle.co.uk/fanfic/ficpics/EowynWallpaper.jpg[/img]
[/quote]


[size=6][size=8]ST JOAN OF ARC PRAY FOR US [/size][/size]

[Lil Red]

[quote name='Tab'le Du'Bah-Rye' timestamp='1341903591' post='2454272']
[size=6][size=8]ST JOAN OF ARC PRAY FOR US [/size][/size]
[/quote]

ummmm. no. that's not a picture of St. Joan of Arc. That's Eowyn, from the Lord of the Rings.

[Lil Red]

[quote name='MissyP89' timestamp='1341876146' post='2454116']In what way? Do you come from a line of fierce women like I do?[/quote]
my mom was one of the awesome-est women i know - gave birth to 10 kids, raised those kids (with all the problems and headaches from doing so, including two of her girls having teenage pregnancies), was a loving, joyful woman. my gramma (dad's mom) is a wonderfully tough lady at the age of 94, who raised 6 kids and buried her husband over 20 years ago. she still lives in her own house, quilting, doing craft shows, cooking, etc. my sisters (even the one i don't get along with) are all independent, and strong women. no wilting flowers here. all the women in my life have a backbone of steel.

don't get me wrong...the women in my life are feminine, and are ladies. but their husbands didn't/don't see the need of "sheltering" them from the world...[u]they share responsibilities, heartaches, and joys with their spouses.[/u] they are gentle, when needed. but delicate? fragile? no...not the first words I would use to describe any of the women in my family.

[Theresita Nerita]

I reacted completely differently to the quote. My first thought was that it was a much-needed admonishment,not to women but to men: "Men, be more careful around women, they aren't rubberband balls to be thrown against (emotional) walls, they're fragile like delicate vases, to be treasured and not smashed."

Maybe this is just because I've seen soooo many examples of men treating women with NO respect lately. And they don't think they're doing anything wrong. They don't apologize. They don't become conscience-stricken when their girlfriends cry and are deeply hurt. They literally say "I'm sorry you're not more open/progressive/tough/etc., aka, sorry you're not more manly. Sorry you have emotions," basically. It's made me feel like a little more chivalry in the world wouldn't be a bad thing.

[PhuturePriest]

[quote name='Theresita Nerita' timestamp='1341933116' post='2454328']
I reacted completely differently to the quote. My first thought was that it was a much-needed admonishment,not to women but to men: "Men, be more careful around women, they aren't rubberband balls to be thrown against (emotional) walls, they're fragile like delicate vases, to be treasured and not smashed."

Maybe this is just because I've seen soooo many examples of men treating women with NO respect lately. And they don't think they're doing anything wrong. They don't apologize. They don't become conscience-stricken when their girlfriends cry and are deeply hurt. They literally say "I'm sorry you're not more open/progressive/tough/etc., aka, sorry you're not more manly. Sorry you have emotions," basically. It's made me feel like a little more chivalry in the world wouldn't be a bad thing.
[/quote]

Yeah. I don't think it meant women are fragile as in unstable, now that you have noted this. It gives a good message when you look at it in your light.

[franciscanheart]

[quote name='Theresita Nerita' timestamp='1341933116' post='2454328']
I reacted completely differently to the quote. My first thought was that it was a much-needed admonishment,not to women but to men: "Men, be more careful around women, they aren't rubberband balls to be thrown against (emotional) walls, they're fragile like delicate vases, to be treasured and not smashed."

Maybe this is just because I've seen soooo many examples of men treating women with NO respect lately. And they don't think they're doing anything wrong. They don't apologize. They don't become conscience-stricken when their girlfriends cry and are deeply hurt. They literally say "I'm sorry you're not more open/progressive/tough/etc., aka, sorry you're not more manly. Sorry you have emotions," basically. It's made me feel like a little more chivalry in the world wouldn't be a bad thing.
[/quote]
That actually struck home for me. A man made me cry not that many months ago and never once apologized. He showed no compassion for my feelings - ridiculous or not - and steamrolled me emotionally. I walked away and never looked back.

[princessgianna]

[quote name='Tab'le Du'Bah-Rye' timestamp='1341903591' post='2454272']
[size=6][size=8]ST JOAN OF ARC PRAY FOR US [/size][/size]
[/quote]
Though Eowyn remains an inspiring mythological creature that resembles and portrays the attributes of not just St. Joan of Arc, but also those of Our Lady, Judith, Saint Catherine of Sienna, Saint Elizabeth, and many more...