In her handbook the “Daughter of Liberation”, Alice Penrose explores the powerful narratives of women who have courageously liberated themselves from the constraints of rigid and controlling religious structures.
Through this collection of stories, which are inter woven with her own diary recorded experiences, Penrose sheds light on the unique journeys of these remarkable individuals, each navigating a very different path towards freedom and self-discovery.
These narratives offer a poignant glimpse into the complexities of breaking away from societal norms and the transformative impact of reclaiming one’s autonomy.
As we delve into the lives of these women, their stories become a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, men and women and children, and the unwavering strength required to forge a path toward personal liberation.
The underlying message isn’t simply one of gender. It’s one of releasing the body and mind from indoctrination. “If any, or all these Gods do exist, surely they wouldn’t need to imprison your mind to draw attention to their message. Surely their message should be warm enough to welcome you and you would never wish to leave their embrace.” she quoted on her 1876 pamphlet The Embrace of Grace, continuing – ‘Indoctrination is a man made invention to cuff you to the controlling shackles of distorted teachings. Twisted words and demanding actions tire the soul to submission.”
“Daughter of Liberation” serves as a compelling tribute to the indomitable women who have embraced their own agency, challenging the status quo and inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of self-emancipation.
In this anthology, each story unfolds showcasing the transformative journey of these women who navigated the intricate web of dogma, breaking free from the clutches of religious indoctrination.
Through shared experiences of hardship, introspection, and ultimate liberation, these survivors illuminate the intricate interplay between faith and freedom and invite readers to witness the courage and resilience that also lies within the self. Offering a poignant exploration of the complexities surrounding religious indoctrination and the profound journey towards individual autonomy and self-discovery.
Many of the women who share their stories remained anonymous although some wanted their names published as part of their own personal pathway, announcing to the world ‘Here I am, free.’ Evelyn was one of those ….
Evelyn’s First Conversation:
Evelyn had always been an obedient daughter, living under the watchful eye of her strict preacher father in the quiet village of Portwood. Her every move was scrutinized, and her life was a litany of prayers, chores, and Bible readings. She had never known a life beyond her father’s authority. She never received gratitude or appreciation.
One sunny afternoon, Evelyn ventured into town to buy some groceries. As she perused the market stalls, she noticed a friendly-looking man selling fresh vegetables. Timidly, she approached him, drawn by the colourful display of produce.
Their conversation was simple, about the quality of the vegetables and the weather. But for Evelyn, it was a momentous occasion. It was the first time she had ever spoken to a man outside her family in such an informal setting. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she exchanged pleasantries, and a warm smile spread across her face.
After parting ways with the vegetable seller, Evelyn walked home with a spring in her step. It was a small step, but it was a step toward freedom and independence. She felt a newfound sense of courage and hope blossoming within her.
Evelyn’s encounter with the vegetable seller marked her first step toward freedom because it provided her with a taste of the outside world and a glimpse into a life beyond the confines of her strict upbringing. This meeting with a man outside her family allowed her to experience a more informal and independent interaction, challenging the limitations imposed by her father’s authority.
It wasn’t a physical attraction. It was colour and vibration the like of which she had never seen before. It was that first question mark erased. So often she had asked herself, ‘is this all that there is?’ Here was hope. Here was a sign. The really could be more than this. Even just a little more than this.
The appreciation for the quality of the vegetables and the discussion about the weather might have symbolized a departure from the rigid routines of prayers, chores, and Bible readings that dominated her life back home. The mundane conversation about everyday matters opened her eyes to a broader spectrum of experiences and perspectives. People talked about these things. It was a shock to her beleaguered system. The everyday for others was a special day for Evelyn. This was her first true treasure.
The colourful display of produce and the friendly interaction contrasted with the strict and monochromatic life she led under her father’s watchful eye. The vibrancy of the moment, both in terms of the colourful market and the warmth of the interaction, might have made Evelyn reflect on the dull and restrictive nature of her life at home.
The small, seemingly inconsequential nature of this conversation allowed Evelyn to glimpse a world where interactions weren’t solely dictated by her father’s rules and where simple pleasures like discussing vegetables and the weather could be enjoyed freely. This contrast likely made her realize the possibility of a life beyond the constraints of her father’s authority, sparking a sense of courage and hope for a future where she could experience true freedom and independence.
The man wasn’t the devil! She had survived his pleasantries and felt invigorated. What else could be wrong with the indoctrination of her fathers message. She felt fresh air and colour. She felt she wanted more. She felt she was her own soul.
Of course in time she realised this was the very devil her father and the church elders were keeping her from. The devil that would show her she was in fact in hell and there was in fact a heaven waiting outside the door if she could simply find the courage to walk. Evelyn was grateful for this small mercy. And she grew.
Martha’s Solo Journey:
Martha had been married to a stern and controlling husband for years. Forced to leave school to marry and become a domestic slave in many ways. Her life revolved around his demands, and she had seldom ventured out of their home without him by her side. He was a rising star in the local districts religious movements, with an ego he thought would take him to sit by Gods right hand itself. Deluded even by the standards of these days. She was the workhorse that prepared him for his journeys through the land. Often the only pleasure she had was the silence at home as he vanished for days on his ‘journey of enlightenment’
But one day while he was gone, she mustered the courage to take a solo journey to the nearby seaside.
As she stood by the crashing waves, the salty breeze tugging at her hair, Martha felt a sense of liberation she had never known. She watched seagulls wheeling overhead, and her heart swelled with joy. For the first time, she was free to explore the world on her own terms.
A passer-by offered her a friendly greeting, and Martha responded with a smile. It was a simple exchange, but it filled her with a sense of empowerment. She realized that she could have conversations and experiences independent of her husband’s control. The passer-by gave her a pamphlet. A secret handover. A stranger noticing a woman feeling the breeze of freedom on her cheeks. A warm whisper ‘imagine feeling this breeze every day.‘
Martha’s encounter with the stranger at the seaside became a pivotal moment in her journey towards emancipation from a life stifled by a controlling husband. As she stood by the crashing waves, feeling the salty breeze, Martha experienced a newfound sense of liberation. The stranger’s friendly greeting and the subtle exchange empowered Martha to realize that she could have conversations and experiences independent of her husband’s dominance.
The passer-by’s perceptive nature, recognizing the subtle signs of Martha’s yearning for freedom, proved to be a catalyst for change. And from this specific realization, Martha vowed to not only enhance her own free will but also to search for those she could help, to see the signs like her stranger did, and reach out. She truly felt that the step from realization to action was the most daunting in terms of knowing what to do and being brave enough to do it and she wanted to be that soft warm gentle hand on offer.
The pamphlet handed over in secret became a symbolic bridge to a different life, a life where Martha could envision herself feeling the breeze of freedom every day. In this encounter, Martha learned that her silent longing for autonomy had not gone unnoticed, and the stranger, in a simple yet profound gesture, provided her with a tangible next step toward a future defined by her own terms. Was this God directing? If so it certainly wasn’t the God her husband had thrust up on her. Was this now the time to trust in God or find strength in those like her. The latter she decided. A decision she made and kept and changed her life.
The warm whisper and the covert pamphlet represented not only an acknowledgement of her moment of liberation but also an invitation to embrace a journey towards self-discovery and independence.
Sarah’s Leap into Education:
Sarah had always been a bright and curious girl, but her education had been limited to religious teachings and household skills. One day, she secretly borrowed a book from her aunty who had always encouraged her to grow herself even in secrecy and not to be a quiet mouse of submission.
Her aunty had taught her to read and write despite her village elders trying their best to suppress this ability in the local young girls.
With painstaking effort, Sarah practised her letters and words in the dim candlelight of her bedroom. As she struggled with the unfamiliar shapes and sounds, a sense of frustration threatened to overwhelm her. But she persevered.
When she finally deciphered her first sentence, tears of triumph welled in her eyes. The feeling of unlocking a world of knowledge and expression was exhilarating. Sarah knew that she had taken a significant step toward personal freedom and independence.
And the day she borrowed her aunty’s book she felt a glow drop over her. A blanket of hope. Between the pages of the book dropped a pamphlet written and published by Alice Penrose. ‘Persevere it’s the fear of fear’
She immediately saw the sign, felt the awareness of her own situation. That she could read those words. That she had indeed used her ability to persevere during those hard times learning to read, she showed no fear and succeeded and now because of that she could read these words, feel this excitement and encouragement, feel that she is understood and first hand knows this is the way for her. What a discovery this was and all because her aunty wanted a little more for her, and all because she knew how to persevere and all because Alice Penrose wanted to share her same story. This day, began the desire inside Sarah to share and serve and boy did she persevere.
These are only three of many different stories about the strength of a variety of women showing the universality and diversity of their resilience.
Despite distinct backgrounds, challenges, and narratives, these women share a common thread of inner strength and the capacity to overcome adversity; all born in a curiosity that surely there has to be something other than what they are being told is normal and God given.
Each story underscores the importance of empowerment, courage, and the pursuit of freedom, showcasing that strength and belief and support can manifest in various forms and circumstances. Whether it’s breaking free from the shackles of strict religion, challenging societal norms, or seeking personal liberation from controlling relationships, these women exemplify the multifaceted nature of female strength.
Of course so many lessons can be learned from even these three stories and many principles and beacons of pleasure are on view. Regardless of their circumstances, each possess the resilience to navigate challenges, redefine their narratives, and emerge as empowered individuals with sensations as follows:
The Warmth of Freedom:
As Evelyn spoke to the vegetable seller, a warmth spread through her chest, and her smile felt like sunlight breaking through heavy clouds. It was the warmth of realization—she was capable of engaging with the world beyond her father’s rules. The feeling was intoxicating, like a sip of sweet nectar after years of thirst. It was as if a door had cracked open, revealing a world of possibilities. It was the chase for this feeling she was now consumed with.
Courage Unleashed:
For Martha, standing by the seaside, the roar of the waves mirrored the roar of courage swelling within her. The breeze of nature and hope seemed to infuse her with newfound strength. She had taken a leap into the unknown, and the adrenaline rush was invigorating. It was as if a cage had been unlocked, and she was soaring into a world she had longed to explore. She knew like-minded and had gone before he. Her leap would be cushioned should she fall.
Hope as a Beacon:
Sarah’s journey into education was marked by hope—a beacon in the darkness of her limited world. With each successful word she read and wrote, her hope grew stronger, illuminating a path to a future she had only dreamed of. The feeling was like a spark igniting a wildfire of possibilities, unstoppable and empowering. Each word she read she could feel deep inside, each hope she imagined from those words she could engage with. Each secret meeting she then attended she felt the community and the collective momentum. She overcame fear and it never came back.
The Addictive Nature of Empowerment:
The feeling of empowerment was addictive, like a drug that these women craved more and more. It was the knowledge that they held the key to their own destinies, that they could shape their lives according to their desires, not the dictates of others. The taste of freedom and independence was a heady elixir, and they yearned for it with a passion that burned brighter with each step they took.
Growth as a Journey:
As these women felt the rush of courage and hope, they realized that their journey toward freedom was just beginning. Each step they took, each conversation, each new skill they acquired was a stepping stone toward a life that was uniquely their own. The pursuit of growth became a constant companion, an insatiable hunger that drove them to seek more knowledge, more experiences, and more independence.
The realization that they could be free, that they could shape their destinies, was a transformative force in their lives. It was a feeling they couldn’t turn away from, a beacon that lit the way forward. With each embrace of courage and hope, they grew stronger, more confident, and more determined to break free from the constraints that had once held them captive.
Alice’s secret journey into the writings of these pioneering female authors fuelled her determination to break free from the confines of her village and advocate for women’s rights. Each page she turned was a step toward her own liberation, and she could feel her spirit growing stronger with every word she read.
In the quiet sanctuary of her hidden world, Alice’s physical transformation mirrored the metamorphosis of her spirit. As she delved into the writings of those courageous women who paved the way for liberation, an invisible strength began to weave itself into the fabric of her being.
With each page turned, a silent revolution unfolded within her. The words of these pioneering authors became a catalyst for her own empowerment. The timid whispers of self-doubt were drowned out by the resounding echoes of women who defied norms and shattered ceilings. It was as though the ink on the pages seeped into her very bones, infusing her with the audacity to dream beyond the confines of her village.
Her posture shifted, no longer burdened by the weight of imposed limitations. There was a newfound grace in her steps, an echo of the confidence that sprouted from the written testimonies of resilience. In the quiet corners of her room, where the secret diary bore witness to her journey, Alice physically embodied the strength she found in the narratives of those who came before her.
The transformation was subtle yet profound, visible in the determined set of her jaw, the spark of conviction in her eyes, and the resilient carriage of her shoulders. Each turned page was a revelation, a step towards self-discovery and liberation. The more she absorbed the stories of women who challenged the status quo, the more she realized the indomitable power within herself.
As Alice navigated the written landscapes of empowerment, the journey was not merely confined to the realm of words; it manifested in the confident poise of her stride, the assertiveness in her voice, and the blossoming strength that radiated from her very core. In the quiet act of reading, Alice physically embodied the metamorphosis of a woman on the path to claiming her own narrative of liberation.