Being a woman in today’s world is many things, but it's never easy. There are so many blurred lines. You're supposed to be adorable yet mature, sexy but not sleazy, attractive but not too beautiful. Be smart, but don't show off. Be ambitious, but always put family first. Be obedient. Be virtuous. Be perfect.
Navigating life as a woman in today’s world is filled with complexities and challenges. Each expectation is a fine line that we tiptoe across.
In the South, we are encouraged from an early age to adopt the role of a "good girl." In my generation, some women were nothing more than pretty girls who went to college to find husbands from wealthy families. Fathers invested in their daughters’ education, expecting to receive MRS degrees and diplomas.
I am the middle of three daughters, and I vividly remember sitting around the dinner table one night when my father announced that, should any of us get pregnant before marriage, we would immediately be written out of the will. I was 9. I didn’t lose my virginity until I was 20. Growing up in the South, how you carried yourself and represented your family was everything.
In many Southern communities, there's a strong emphasis on upholding societal expectations of femininity and respectability. "Good girl" behavior is often seen as a way to maintain a positive reputation. A woman's reputation can impact her social standing, family connections, and career opportunities.
Southern communities often prioritize strong family values and a sense of shared identity. Being a good girl can contribute to the overall well-being and reputation of the community.
If you constantly strive to do everything right but always feel as if you are getting things wrong, you may be suffering from Good Girl Syndrome, too. Being all things to all people is impossible, but that doesn’t stop many of us from trying.
You've most likely perfected the skill of being a "good girl" down to an art. But what if you are suffering from a bad reputation?
It breaks my heart to think that any girl would give up on herself or believe she has no power to turn her ship around. Shame and regret can paralyze you. They can trap you in the past and distract you from your purpose.
The shift in societal attitudes towards gender roles has led to a growing awareness of the limitations of this concept and its potential impact on a woman’s well-being. The perfectionism that we expect of ourselves and each other needs to change.
You are still a work in progress, just like everyone else. You won't be the same person you are now in five, ten, and twenty years. God loves you even on your worst days and sees only your worth and potential. His grace is so much bigger than any mistake you can make.
Where you’re going matters more than where you’ve been. More important than who you were is who you will become. Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, concentrate on your recovery.
The truth is found in God’s faith in you, not in a rumor mill. You were made in His image and designed for His purpose. Despite what anyone says or thinks, you are still His masterpiece.
Whether you’ve always considered yourself a “good girl” or think of yourself as one now, hold your head high. Face the consequences of any mistakes, and create a better future based on the lessons you’ve learned from the past. If you want to reinvent yourself, do it. Don’t let anyone stop you or convince you it’s too late. With God on your side, you are unstoppable.
Some people may never forget your mistakes or let you live down the choices you’ve made, but ultimately, none of that matters. What people say about you is opinion. What God thinks about you is fact.
Roasted Shrimp & Orzo Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
INGREDIENTS
- 2 -2 ½ pounds fresh jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces uncooked orzo pasta
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (or combine with sun-dried tomato oil)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- ½ cup drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 cup sliced scallions, white and green parts
- 1 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 large English cucumber, cut into half moons
- ½ small red onion, diced
- 1 (8-ounce) block good feta cheese, cubed (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add orzo with a splash of olive oil and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked al dente. Drain and pour into a large bowl.
- While the orzo cooks, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil (I like to use sun-dried tomato oil), Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined. Pour the mixture over the orzo and mix well.
- Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Roast for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Do not overcook.
- Add shrimp to the orzo and let marinate for 5 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes, scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. For ideal taste, set aside at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight.
