Genuine Pearl Jewelry Contest & Giveaway

AARP

Ever notice how, when we discuss what really matters in life, we often invoke the language of pearls? Pearls of wisdom. Don’t cast your pearls before swine.

Timeless. Valued. Beautiful. Polished. Radiant. Layered. Strong. Versatile. Classy. Cultured. Authentic. Always appropriate. Pearls are all the things! But more important, Sis, so are you.

We see you.

We see you laughing, lifting up others, loving, letting folks know you mean business, listening, learning, leaning on faith, looking out, looking toward a brighter future, leading.

We see your inner and outer beauty and your one-of-a-kind-style. Ball gown. Basketball shoes. Blue jeans. Business suit. (Perfect with pearls. You know you look cute.)

Pretty and precious. Also, powerful.

You know the thing about pearls, Sis?

They are Mother Nature’s reminder that when something feels out of place, something that is invasive, unwanted, threatening and irritating, it can be dealt with. A gentle creature—an oyster, a clam—is threatened by a parasite or a particle of sand inside its shell. It secretes the same protein-rich, super-strong substance that creates the shell to coat the contaminant and contain it. What we view as a high-fashion gem is actually a toxic cleanup site, managed by Mother Nature and mother of pearl.

This cleanup isn’t swift. It can take two years, four years, even five. But Mama has it handled. That’s the beauty of boundaries, and every organism in creation has its unique protective mechanisms.

We too, are created with all we need to thrive, even when we feel under threat. Is there some role, relationship, routine, responsibility or rival in your life that you know you need distance from—for your safety, success, sanity or soul? Acknowledge it, share it with those who can support you, and act today. Then again tomorrow. You have patience, you have strength, and you have substance. From boundaries, beauty can emerge. From resilience, we harvest radiance. Each of us can transform pain into pearls of wisdom and precious lessons for living joyfully. And when we link together in sisterhood, like pearls in a strand, our brilliance radiates farther.

Mama, you’ve got this handled, and the world is your oyster.