We were sitting at a round table of ten. The bread basket had flat crispy crackers, curly sesame bread sticks, and crusty bread with a soft inside. The guest of honor was journalist and research fellow, . Our dinner party followed Eliza’s talk and book signing at the program; . Eliza was obviously exhausted from her book tour, but she was a great sport and continued to answer our questions all though the three-course meal.

The conversation was interesting and stimulating. It was exactly what you’d expect, when you bring a mix of smart people together to talk about religion, politics, and nation building. My mind wandered off topic to think about Eliza herself. She shared quite a bit about her personal background as a preacher’s kid— the daughter of a , spiritual seeker, and poet.

I don’t know about you, but when I see a strong successful woman, I always want to know more. Is she happily married? Does she have kids? How about a best friend? What kind of teenager was she— popular or geeky? Did she do normal things, like go to homecoming and hang out with friends? What does she want to do next? It’s no surprise that most of my questions went unasked and unanswered. However, it wasn’t too long until we all knew her future plans. Finding out what she wanted to do next was a surprise.

Eliza is taking on the very business-y issue of . She was excited to hear from Chicagoans, how the is going. Here’s an accomplished woman, considered to be an expert in the areas of religion, conflict, and human rights, and yet she has the enthusiasm and backing to delve into something totally new and different. Bravo!

What about other women who thrive on variety, but are trapped by their own expertise? We should take inspiration from Eliza’s example and move bravely on to our next big adventure. Sometimes, the worst time is the best time to make change happen.

Yikes!
It's as scary as it is exciting
to create something new
and share it with the world.

Will people like it?
Will they be able to feel
the bright love used to make it?
Will they say- Yes!
for the chance to be a part of it?

They will if You infuse it.
Bless it with your special aroma;
the irresistible one that draws
and attracts butterflies to butterfly bushes.
Thank You for anointing this
new endeavor to express and expand beauty.

-Erika Harris