Barbie, Discernment & Synodality

One image of Barbie in tribute to the community in Maui as they suffer the devastating fires that have claimed the lives of over 100 people.

Imagine a big cardboard box filled with dolls, random plastic furniture, a hand-me-down Barbie Dream House, pink clothes, and imaginative and recycled wooden, styrofoam and cardboard pieces used for furniture. Watching the movie, “Barbie,” with my family was nostalgic but also a surprisingly moving experience. The main character, “Stereotypical Barbie” began to see the world differently, causing her to face the reality of emotion, doubt, and longing (and flat feet!). Painfully and joyfully, because life encounters both, Barbie discovers that her real purpose is not so clear nor is it perfect. This leads to a revelation that things must change in order for us to grow.

I especially resonated with actress America Ferrera’s speech about the contradictions, expectations and challenges of being a woman. The writers poignantly captured what is often a confusing and sometimes painful road. The song by Billie Eillish, “What Was I Made For?” asks the question we seem to ask throughout our lives. Humans naturally discern their life’s calling. 

I attended the Women of the Church National Conference at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota this past July. I learned of exciting changes already happening in our Church based on our Baptismal call as laypersons, as women, as young people. The Synod is real and the Holy Spirit is moving. The simple lesson that things must change, transform, in order for us to grow is evident even in the global Church. May we continue to discern where the Spirit is leading us!