Look back and learn, look forward and grow

Look back and learn, look forward and grow

Wise advice at a time I’m not sure where to go

Or what to do, or who I am

But it’s advice from someone I know understands

Because as I do look back to where I’m from

I see a culture of women, called to be strong

Called to be open, trusted to be kind

Servant hearted but know how to have a good time

Relentlessly faithful, inclusive of others

Builders of community, fun and loving mothers

Not perfect - in fact sometimes just downright naughty

But then it seems that’s how great women make history

By breaking the rules, rewriting traditions

Not limited by expectations or inhibition

Radically friendly in a world that’s broken and hurting

A world full of sadness, where nothing is certain

Except that to love is better than being hateful

And if you persevere you will find life can be beautiful

And the plain fact that because life really needn’t be

There must be someone greater who designed it creatively

With good intentions and our best interests at heart

Who shares in our sorrow when it all falls apart

And as I look back at these lessons my past has taught

How to look forward and grow becomes my next thought

I see that the answer is also in that shared calling

To do as they have done, these strong women I’m following

My path may be unique, but our direction is the same

And if I get lost, I’ll just remember this wise saying:

Look back and learn, look forward and grow

In my advisor I see where I’m from and where to go