There is a corner of my living room that I have decorated in dedication to Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Why do I honor her in this way? Quite simply, her life and her work created room for my life and work. Her life and work created changes in our systems and structures that translated into a better and more meaningful life for so many.
I am not alone in my admiration for Justice Ginsburg and my sense of loss at her death. Women in particular look up to her as a role model, an icon, a trailblazer; someone who showed us how to live a brave and connected life, a life shaped by our deepest and highest values.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an intergenerational icon.
Lexie Wackman, 9, of Washington, was just 6 when she had her introduction to Justice Ginsburg. Her mother bought her a copy of “I Dissent,” a children’s book about the justice, which prompted her to give a speech about Justice Ginsburg to her fellow first graders. Lexie burst into tears when she heard that Justice Ginsburg had died, and her mother encouraged her daughter to write a note, which they left on the steps of the Supreme Court on Saturday.
Framed on a wall in her chambers at the Supreme Court, she kept a quote from Deuteronomy- three Hebrew words in beautiful calligraphy:
Tzedek, tzedek tirdof – “Justice, justice, you shall pursue” (Deut 16:20).
Today, I give thanks to God for the life of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
Who has been a role model to you? How did they show you how to live a life shaped by your deepest and best values? Let us know in the comments below.
-Written by Amy Miracle
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I’ve thought about this. Interesting question.
John Lewis has been on my mind for the past few years. We have visited cities with significant civil rights history over the past two winters. Last February, we walked across the Edmond Pettus bridge and then drove back to Montgomery to the capital where Martin Luther King preached from the steps to 25 thousand plus who had finished the trip that John Lewis and many others had started. He was willing to put his life on the line for his beliefs. He was not deterred by the brutal resistance he received. He turned his entire life into public service. but he was quietly loud. He was consistently principled. He was measured. He walked by faith. He was truly selfless. He stood very tall when he wasn’t all that tall. He made quite an impact on me. He truly left us a legacy that matters.
My daughters are my role models. Then every girl/daughter/women I have met. Kiki Bader, HS Cheerleader, started her career with the statement “men and women have one principal, to be fully realized people”. My daughter live that statement to the best of their ability. Now I understand better why children are embracing the “notorious RBG” in their costume when the event invites the creativity and expression.
RBG was such an inspiration. So glad you wrote about her. In RBG I felt as if I had someone championing justice in a way that was fair to all and true to the basic structure of an argument.
I’m amazed how much courage she had- first in all the work she did before becoming a Supreme Court justice and then at the end of her life when she was sick with metastatic cancer, to continue to work until the end- Amazing…
I also find the stories about her relationship with Antonin Scalia inspirational. I wish we could all model that a bit better
My personal awakening moment came when I was elected to be a Session member when the Women’s Movement was aborning.The hymn that was sung to conclude the ceremony of installation was Rise Up Oh Men of God. I made known my disappointment. By the time RBG was appointed to the Supreme Court, I had followed and supported the movement. My eventual admittance to Princeton Seminary was due in no small way to women everywhere who stood up for equality. My path To Seminary In my late 40’s had been smoothed by women before me who dared to say women may be ordained to ministry. That includes those like Amy Miracle. Amy’s corner dedicated to Ruth Bader Ginsberg is entirely appropriate.
I write this during the confirmation hearings for RBG’s replacement on the court. It is sad that the nominee doesn’t seem to me to reflect Either RBG’s spirit of justice for all of her more progressive judicial philosophy. What if woe interpreted scripture only in the light of when it was written? I’m sad for our nation and will continue to pray for her, especially in this election season.