Last night I read that the lights on the Statue of Liberty went out for several hours.  Yes, the lady in the harbor, who welcomes all who are oppressed and seeking to breathe free, was left standing in the dark.  As I saw this, I wondered what would happen without the women in our lives.Today, March 8,  is International Women's Day.  It deserves a shoutout from St. John's.  I mean, where would we be without the women in our lives?  Those who have loved us when we were infants, those who have enriched us, cared for us, taught us, inspired us, accepted us - the list goes on.  To me this day is a day of appreciation, helping all of us realize what the world would be like without women in it.  I shutter to think of my life without the contributions that so many women have made to make me a better person.We all know that we all have to go further when it comes to recognizing the contributions that women have made to the betterment of our world.  We need to champion women's rights to equality in all walks of life. There is no place in our world for any woman to be abused and held back from achieving the fulfillment they need in their lives.Jesus always championed women, whether they were widows grieving a child, or prostitutes that he defended.  It was, after all, women who first believed the story of the Resurrection and shared it.The following song by John Lennon, entitled For the Other Half of the Sky, expresses the way I feel about the women who have touched my life.  I hope you, too, will enjoy it as you observe this day.Woman, I can hardly express,My mixed emotion at my thoughtlessness,After all I'm forever in your debt,And woman, I will try to express,My inner feelings and thankfulness,For showing me the meaning of success,Woman, I know you understandThe little child inside the man,Please remember my life is in your hands,And, woman, hold me close to your heart,However distant don't keep us apart,After all it is written in the stars.Woman, please let me explain,I never meant to cause you sorrow or pain,So let me tell you again and again and again,I love you now and forever.MEH