b.Inspired Cafe & Blog

What do we take for granted?

This poignant and haunting video, The Other Side of War, narrated by Alice Walker, reminds us of how blessed we are and how important it is for us to remember our connection to all life.

What you probably don't know about War:

"A century ago, 90% of war casualties were male soldiers. There have been 250 major conflicts since World War II with 23 million acknowledged casualties. Today, an estimated 90% are civilians, and 75% of these are estimated to be women and children." 

Watch Video (click here)

Political and media reports often depict war in terms of tactics and numbers of weapons and dollars. They may speak of "collateral damage" in abstract terms. It's easy for us to go on with our lives and think of this as a remote story. It tore at my heart to hear about a note posted in a Marine quarters-
Americans are not in this war. Americans are at the mall.

In the meantime, war often enters the homes of our global sisters through the kitchen door.

"If we are to understand war fully, we need to understand not only what happens on the front lines, but what happens on the back lines as well, where women are in charge of keeping life going."

Source: The Other Side of War; Women's Stories of Hope and Survival by Zainab Salbi

I don't share this to make us feel guilty for watching Dancing with the Stars while someone else doesn't have running water. Guilt is not often a very useful emotion. I do share this as a reminder for all of us to to appreciate our good fortune and freedom, and the privilege to share our resources. It is in  giving that we receive :-)

For more info, to donate or sponsor a woman, please visit Women for Women  International website, WomenforWomen.org 

Empower a Global Sister

Wake Up Inspired is about changing your life.

And, you could change the life of another woman on the other side of the world.

A portion of Wake Up Inspired revenue is joyfully donated to Women for Women International. Subscribing to the b.Inspired Cafe & Circle (or buying a book) is one more way you can make a difference to inspire your own life and support your global sisters.

About Women for Women International:

Women for Women International helps women in war-torn regions go from crisis to contributing citizens. The program equips them to rebuild their lives by providing financial and emotional support, job skills training, rights awareness and leadership education and access to business skills, capital and markets. These women become confident, independent and productive as they embrace the importance of their roles in rebuilding their families, their communities and ultimately, their nations.

For more information, please visit www.WomenforWomen.org

When I want to get grounded in why I’m on this mission with Wake Up Inspired, my favorite question is “What do I want to be a stand for in the world?” This jolts me (in a very positive way) to come from my soul, not busy ego-scheming thoughts. The answer is Inspired, Conscious, Citizenship. While you’re fueling your inspired life, how would it feel to also support life-changing opportunities for a global sister? For only $27/ month, you can sponsor your sister - and receive/write letters if you like, through Women for Women. Think how easy that is.. it can be automatically deducted from your credit card. You won’t miss it. And it will make a difference in the life a woman in Afghanistan,  Iraq, Nigeria, Rwanda  and other countries where empowering women is fueling new stories and brighter futures for all.

To sponsor a woman, please visit www.WomenforWomen.org