I recently read an article in September 2010′s Bazaar about Jenny Sanford, the wife of South Carolina governor Mark Sanford. The article, entitled “Why Leaving Worked For Me,” stayed with me for a few reasons. I want to make it clear, though, that my purpose for creating a post about this article has nothing to do with my feelings towards her husband’s behaviors or even the scandal at all. Instead, I feel so strongly about this article because of how Ms. Sanford handled herself and her family after such (public) heartache. Usually reading about loss causes me to feel sad but this article was hopeful.

Jenny Sanford’s explanation for leaving her husband of 20 years was pretty rational. She and Mark set certain values for the base of their relationship, family, and life together and when he strayed from that foundation, she simply could not continue in a marriage that lacked the fundamental values they once shared.

One of the things that I appreciated from her article, was that she spoke of the divorce in a rather “matter-of-fact” way. This is not to say that she was emotionless, not at all. Through her words, I could tell that the whole ordeal was utterly painful but she referred to her and Mark’s relationship and falling-out so tactfully. I don’t believe that she spoke this way just out of selflessness or respect for Mark and their children; I think she is truly so grounded that she can view her loss in a healthy light.

Jenny has shown qualities that I think make her an incredibly strong woman in today’s world. She showed a balance of respect for herself and respect for her family. She respected herself by standing by her values and rather than being a victim, having the courage to start a new and better life for herself. She respected her family by being so thoughtful throughout the scandal and during its aftermath. Jenny admitted that after realizing she wanted a divorce, she pre-meditated her every move. She knew that such a change deserved careful consideration and soul-searching. I believe that that is how she comes off so gracious and polished.

Again, my feelings towards this article are solely related to the qualities Jenny Sanford possesses as a woman. Her values are so crucial to her life and raising her four sons. It was refreshing to read about a woman having the confidence to stand by her values and the courage to act on them in the spotlight. What I think makes her truly a “lady” is that she has possessed such strength while remaining elegant and transparent. I believe that this combination makes Jenny Sanford a beautiful and inspiring modern-day woman.

Harper’s Bazaar - Jenny Sanford: Why Leaving Worked For Me

I recently read an article in September 2010′s Bazaar about Jenny Sanford, the wife of South Carolina governor Mark Sanford. The article, entitled “Why Leaving Worked For Me,” stayed with me for a few reasons. I want to make it clear, though, that my purpose for creating a post about this article has nothing to do with my feelings towards her husband’s behaviors or even the scandal at all. Instead, I feel so strongly about this article because of how Ms. Sanford handled herself and her family after such (public) heartache. Usually reading about loss causes me to feel sad but this article was hopeful.

Jenny Sanford’s explanation for leaving her husband of 20 years was pretty rational. She and Mark set certain values for the base of their relationship, family, and life together and when he strayed from that foundation, she simply could not continue in a marriage that lacked the fundamental values they once shared.

One of the things that I appreciated from her article, was that she spoke of the divorce in a rather “matter-of-fact” way. This is not to say that she was emotionless, not at all. Through her words, I could tell that the whole ordeal was utterly painful but she referred to her and Mark’s relationship and falling-out so tactfully. I don’t believe that she spoke this way just out of selflessness or respect for Mark and their children; I think she is truly so grounded that she can view her loss in a healthy light.

Jenny has shown qualities that I think make her an incredibly strong woman in today’s world. She showed a balance of respect for herself and respect for her family. She respected herself by standing by her values and rather than being a victim, having the courage to start a new and better life for herself. She respected her family by being so thoughtful throughout the scandal and during its aftermath. Jenny admitted that after realizing she wanted a divorce, she pre-meditated her every move. She knew that such a change deserved careful consideration and soul-searching. I believe that that is how she comes off so gracious and polished.

Again, my feelings towards this article are solely related to the qualities Jenny Sanford possesses as a woman. Her values are so crucial to her life and raising her four sons. It was refreshing to read about a woman having the confidence to stand by her values and the courage to act on them in the spotlight. What I think makes her truly a “lady” is that she has possessed such strength while remaining elegant and transparent. I believe that this combination makes Jenny Sanford a beautiful and inspiring modern-day woman.

Harper’s Bazaar - Jenny Sanford: Why Leaving Worked For Me

My best friend from college is one of the most generous and philanthropic people I’ve ever met. She truly found her sense of purpose during college and I’m so glad I was able to be a part of her experience. Sophomore year, we joined a group called Students In Free Enterprise. Through this program she took an initiative that has changed the lives of so many people.

My friend, Lindsay, found a passion in helping a struggling community in Bethlehem, Uganda. She partnered with a few professors and invested students to craft a micro-loan program and several fundraising campaigns to boost the business environment in that community and better the lives of the students at Bethlehem Parent’s School and Orphanage (BPS).

My friends and I would joke about how Africa consumed her life but all jokes aside, it has. She found something that drives her so much that she’ll let it consume her, day and night. It is really powerful and rare to be in the presence of such emotional investment. She has been to this community in Uganda about a dozen times and works tirelessly to address their needs and improve their well-being in a way that will enable them to sustain their lives without her help.

One of my favorite things about Lindsay’s Embrace It Africa program is that the students at BPS and I exchange letters and she says that is the thing they value most from her, giving and receiving letters!

Lindsay’s mere presence is inspiring. I don’t know one person in her life who has not wanted to contribute in some way to her cause. Anyone who could use a little inspiration should just browse her website. www.embraceitafrica.org.