There is no age limit to becoming the best you can be.
This is demonstrated by the person we recognize today, Shirley Ann Gordon. She was born in Charleston, South Carolina on March 3rd, 1942. She moved to Newark New Jersey in 1967. She passed recently, but I am sure, she is in a better place. And the super senior arrival in her new home, immediately means heaven is on the upgrade. She won't let it be any other way.
Shirley Ann Gordon was a woman of God, and a mother of 10 children. But she wanted to be more.
She became a licensed evangelist and tended to people's spiritual needs. She cared for other so much that she went back to college and received her degree in social work at the age of 66.
She retired from her work to offer aid and volunteered for a new job, supporting the spirits of others at the VA hospital. She was honored by the Mayor of Newark as a "Super Senior," and she certainly was. She was known in her community as "G. Ma."
Not only did she influence her family, the community's children admired her as well. And why not?
As a northern raised white male, I have no understanding of the courage and fortitude it must have taken for a black female in the south in the 1940's and 1950's to maintain any interest in advancement and education. Getting by, surviving was a daily gauntlet to run. Even in the 1960's in Newark, the atmosphere surely was not congenial for a black woman to better herself. Yet, here is the documentation that this spirit overcame the obstacles to achieve. She achieved, not for herself alone, but for the betterment of others.
That is an inspiration in itself. She was known for being outspoken and "telling it like it is." That is the drive that allows you to complete your degree no matter your age or other factors that work against your achievements. She received her college degree at 66 years of age. At that age many people are slowing down, but Shirley was getting revved up.
She is remembered for her love of God, her unique and graceful hats, that accompanied her superbly beautiful dresses. Her presence was felt by the mighty and the minions of America, as demonstrated by Michelle Obama mentioning her on her Twitter page.
In a time when we respect and admire the courage of the famous women celebrities who speak out against abuse, and chauvinistic practices. We should note that every woman can fight this battle in their way. Shirley found her voice in the battle against inequality and bias.
I have been told by many of my female friends that there are few women over forty-five that have not been put in situations similar to the famous women who have spoken out. They receive inappropriate flirting or requests/demands that are gross, indecent, and illogical. Others were physically assaulted without their consent (rape in any court of law) in a variety of situations beyond their control.
Our culture needs readjustment. We need to respect others, male and female human beings, alike. No human is without merit and talents. No human is lesser than you or greater than you, if you understand God's laws. And I use the word God as all encompassing, because there is no religion in this world that sanctions rape, sodomy and defilement, unless you include Satanism - i.e. that is not a religion, but an anti-religion reactive creation.
Ego-centric power plays must be made passé, while empowerment of individuals to reach their potential is glorified. The right of every individual to have the control over their person is the most basic of laws. It is inherent in the rights of all humans.
Shirley Ann Gordon is a role model for empowerment. She is an ordinary person who would not be stopped from reaching her goals and serving others. When the world said, you can't, she did.
We cannot praise such a person enough.
-- L.A. Preschel
