“Love is the most powerful and underused force for change in the world.”
I have many feminist icons: the late RBG, Ruby Bridges, and Susan B. Anthony, to name a few. Of course, in true millennial fashion, I gotta throw Beyonce into the prolific mix (#beyhive forever)! Melinda Gates is my latest idol. This woman has done it ALL–completed an undergrad in Computer Science, an MBA, worked her way up the Microsoft ladder through her multimedia material ideas, and more. But what inspires me most about her is how she left behind a life of success and fame at Microsoft to not only raise her family, but to give back to those around the world who need it the most.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World is not your traditional “girl power” book. It’s not light and fluffy, and it doesn’t leave you feeling all warm inside. Melinda Gates shares insights surrounding the world’s heaviest issues, which requires grappling with the weight of their impact. From the get-go, she shares a story about her dad’s work on rocket ships, and the moment of “lift” when they leave planet Earth. Gates admits that, for decades, she has pondered the idea of “lift” in two lights: the first being the traditional religious view, with the idea of lift being Jesus Christ’s grace; the second, however, is through a lens of curiosity. It revolves around the idea of learning more about those in different positions of life, and how that can propel us to become our best selves. The philanthropist with a big heart shares hundreds of stories that are both gut-wrenching and motivating. It sounds cliché, but I put the book down and felt inspired to make the world a better place.
The Moment of Lift is a solid 5 out of 5 stars for me. You should know it’s not for the faint of heart. Some of the stories are absolutely devastating and heartbreaking, but the results are crystal clear—when communities focus on helping women, regardless of the scenario or circumstances, societies become a better place for all to live. I’ve been raving about this book non-stop. Grab yourself a copy right away. (And here’s a nice little bonus: book proceeds are donated to the organizations discussed in the book. Giving back and a good read all in one!)
P.S. If you get hooked like I do…Gates shares some of her important ideas in a Netflix episode of “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman.” Great date night activity or pick-me-up after a long day.