Pom in Oz with Derek Goforth: Humbled and grateful to be surrounded by strong, steadfast women

I am truly blessed to be surrounded by strong, passionate and wise people. I have known this for a long time. But something I have realised more recently is how blessed I am, and how blessed my sons are, to be encircled on all sides by strong, steadfast and gifted women. Thankfully, they are everywhere in my life. In my place of work, my hobbies, my gym, my church and of course in my home. There is a Bible verse, from Proverbs, which reads: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” (Proverbs 31 v25-26) Now, I am sure theologians and bible scholars could unpack those verses a lot better than I could ever do. But to me the meaning is simple. A woman who knows her value, has high self-esteem and is not easily deceived or hoodwinked. This is something that has nothing to do with material wealth and everything to do with her character. I could write a list 100 pages long of the females in my life that fit this description. But let me focus on the few who have the most impact. I apologise in advance to these ladies as I know you are humble and easily embarrassed. Firstly there is Janelle Phillips, living proof you can be a mum, a teacher, a muso, a wife and a kick-ass sports person. Nelly excels in so many ways and sets such a great example to the kids at school, at church and who read about her in sports reports. Cricket legend, softball legend, just legend in general. Sandra Carr MLC, one of our local pollies and surprise addition to the WA Labor Party after getting in third on the ticket. I have been vocal about disagreeing with some stuff Sandra has said in the past, but there is no arguing with the fact that she is a woman of conviction and has no interest in putting the desire to be re-elected above her principles and convictions. Coach Dirranie Kirby, the driving force of CrossFit Geraldton. To say Coach D is a force of nature would be an understatement, she is the definition of strength and commitment. She’s super fit and super sporty, and can coach with ease someone (like me) who is the opposite — unfit, fat, unmotivated at times and just not built for sport. She does this with kindness but also with discipline. She goes the extra mile, kilometre, yard and everything in between. Then there is my wife and my daughter, my rock and my shield. I do not know any better teacher than my wife, I simply have never come across an educator who spends more time, dedicates more energy or throws themselves into their work more than her. But not only that, she is our lioness, she is fierce and loyal yet caring and compassionate. Now she tag teams with my daughter, my wonderful little independent teen. With her passion for the environment, for animals and for youth justice, she is a chip off the maternal block, and I admire her so much for it. Lastly is a person who I have only recently begun to know well, a lady who has let me into her life at the most fractured time. Marere Ihe Rangi is going through something I pray I will never have to experience. She tragically lost her boy, Justyce, on Christmas Eve. She is living through every parent’s worse scenario, having to mourn a child. I have been honoured to spend time with Marere and her family over the last few weeks. I taught Justyce for a short time and was his year leader at one of our high schools. I felt called to write about his passing, and by doing this I have spoken to, prayed with and prayed for Marere. While I have done this I have felt utterly in awe of her strength and of her resolute nature, especially when around her children. I have been blessed to witness her manner with adults and with the confused young people in our community. I have simply been blown away by her selfless nature and full heart. Marere is a strong Christian woman and I know this gives her strength. She is proud and respectful of her culture, and I know this gives her dignity. She is a loyal mum and aunty to many and I know this gives her courage. Derek Goforth is a teacher at Geraldton Christian College