I read the book with this title almost a year ago and was deeply moved. The story follows Obianuju from childhood, young adulthood through to marriage and eventual divorce.
The villain of this story in my opinion is Obianuju's mother, I can't put into words how that woman irritated me. Emotionally blackmailing her daughter to do things even when her (Obianuju) life was at stake. The author tried to give her a small redemption arc but per my analysis that woman is irredeemable.
The entire summary of the story is that for women, we'll never enough according societal standards.
You're not woman enough if your single and unmarried.
You're not a woman enough if you're married without kids.
You're not woman enough if you haven't kept your home guarded against the influence of side chicks.
You're not woman enough if your kids don't grow to become valuable members of society.
You're not woman enough if your marriage ends.
It has to be something you did or did not do. Society is always forcing you to shape up into something you were never created to be.
It's this never ending journey of keeping up appearances.
Aren't we tired?
Of trying to meet a standard God has never held for any for us?
Of always pushing your joy and fulfilment to the future because that is when you think you'll be deserving of such.
Of thinking that the perceived future is better than the present because you do not have so and so.
I am not a man and by no standard can I relate to the male experience but I believe this inadequacy society attaches to women because they don't have this or that is the similar to what we do to men in different forms and degrees. But I'll leave men to tell their own stories, as it is not mine to tell.
My wish today is just to drum one fact home, you're enough...pauses for dramatic effect...with God- with God, you're enough.
Not perfect, but on the journey to perfection.
Your joy is not because the future is bright, but because Christ is your Source.
Stop always looking forward to a future where you're deserving. Now, even now, you're deserving.
You do not become a woman tomorrow, you are a woman now.
Happy International women's day, girls. And to the generous gentlemen who have read to this point, thank you!
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