I consider myself a strong woman. I like to get things done and I like to keep my word. I don’t have time for dramatic people when I have five sons to raise with my husband. I see women of all ages being and becoming strong women and a strength to their families. Women have come a long way in the world with equality and through women’s rights. I love the fact that I am allowed to dream big and follow those dreams in the United States. Women are blessed in this nation and all this nonsense about how women are so oppressed, is just that; nonsense.

I’ve talked some before about how this new feminist movement doesn’t want equality; they want to be above men and stomp on them to keep them down. I consider myself a strong and opinionated woman who submits to my husband. I am definitely not a perfect wife, but I believe if you took my husband aside and asked him, he would honestly tell you I submit.

My husband never allows me to do things. He excitedly pushes me to pursue things. If I even make a tiny comment about a hope, or a dream, or even something churning around in my head, he immediately believes I can do it. He does everything he can do to make a way for me. That my friends, is not oppression. There are so many men in this nation who are champions for their women; whether it be sisters, mothers, grandmothers, friends, or even workmates they believe in. As always, there are going to be those that take that word submission and turn it into something it was not meant to be, but this is definitely not the majority.

My Dad is the same way. My Dad always believed in me and my dreams. I remember how excited he was at my big dreams when I was younger. He would have done anything to help me pursue my dreams and I think he still would today. My brother believes in me and encourages me to strive for greater things. My brother and I are so different, yet we believe in each other and want the best for the other.

Today, I just wanted to celebrate those men in my life who are my champions. They stand up for me. They believe in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. They choose to see the good in me even when the bad and annoying is flaring up in their faces. I know I can thank many women who have been there for me and fought for me as well, but today I want to acknowledge the men in my life who helped me believe I could shoot for the stars.

So thank you to the love of my life, Chuck, who believes in me probably more than I believe in myself. Thank you to the man who gave me a weird sense of humor and this overly logical and numbers oriented mind, and who told me every day of my childhood that he loved me, my Dad. Last, but never least, my brother, Jesse. You have been a pain off and on, as I’m sure I have never been to you…..well, maybe once or twice! You always believe in me and think I should strive for even greater things.

Women, we stand together and believe in each other. If you don’t, you should be the voice that encourages other women. So many times, we thank those women who helped us and believe us along the way, but I also think it is important to acknowledge those men who have believed in us and encouraged us.

Today, let somebody know how much you appreciate them who has been your champion.