Permission People

“When I was a little girl, I used to dream as a man, because I wanted to do things that women didn’t do back then such as traveling to Africa, living with wild animals, and writing books. I didn’t have any female explorers or scientists to look up to but I was inspired by Dr. Dolittle, Tarzan, and Mowgli in The Jungle Book – all male characters. It was only my mother who supported my dream: ‘You’ll have to work hard, take advantage of opportunities and never give up,’ she’d tell me. I’ve shared that message with young people around the world, and so many have thanked me, and said, ‘You taught me that because you did it, I can do it, too.’”

This quote from Jane really resonates with me. I grew up without a mother and was influenced by the masculine environment I was in. There were a few women around and they were troubled, difficult and burdened and the men didn’t really like them. I didn’t want to emulate them.

I wasn’t encouraged to pursue much of anything. My father was too busy with his career and the troubled women in his life. I was expected to be quiet, unseen, and to work hard at something – nothing in particular – just something that was considered “women’s work.”

I had to look outside my family for inspiration and encouragement, and like Jane, I gravitated toward the explorers and adventurers, mostly male. I loved nature and animals and Jane was one of my female heroes. As expressed in the quote, Jane also taught me by example that, if she could do it, then I could, too.

She is one of the “permission people.” Just by living her brave, interesting, and inspiring life, she gives me permission to live mine.

Permission people usually live outside the norm, are creative and surprising – and often irritating – mostly because they challenge us to live a more authentic life.

I watched an interview with the actress Katherine Hepburn where she said she chose not to have a traditional family and chose not to have kids because she thought she wouldn’t be able to do either to the standard that she wanted. I admire the fact that she knew herself well enough to know she would put her career over her family and that she respected motherhood enough to know she didn’t want to do a poor job at it.

Side note: Katherine was also a pioneer for women wearing pants. They were practical and comfortable, so why couldn’t she wear them? As a woman who prefers pants over skirts and dresses, thank you, Ms Hepburn!

You know I’d have to bring this around to Jesus. He is a permission person, too. Living in a world where strict religious practice was the way to prove your personal holiness, He broke the rules, was called unholy, was very irritable to the religious, but inspired and helped so many people in the process.

The way He lived, His words, His choices, He showed us that we can do it, too.

In a world where hate, being critical, lack of compassion and empathy rule the day, Jesus gives us permission to love everyone, yes, everyone, show compassion to everyone, help, heal and encourage everyone. Feed the poor, help the helpless, and spread joy around thickly and deliciously like peanut butter on a piece of toast.

Live your life. Be a permission person.