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16/05/2017
A reading, reflection and prayer, with Jonathan Rea.
Last on
Tue 16 May 2017
05:43
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
Prayer for the Day Script with Jonathan Rea
Good morning!
Mary Bruce had an adventurous spirit. She was a show-jumper, broke records in car and speedboat racing, drove further into the Arctic than anyone else in the 20th century, and at the age of 81, she looped the loop in a plane.Β
She also owned an airline. And 81 years ago today she appointed her secretary as the only British female air steward before World War 2. At 19, Daphne Kearley was up for the adventure.Β
Mrs Bruce had noticed her European rivals employing female stewards, and knew they were well received by customers. Sheβd advertised, but all the women she interviewed became too airsick for the job! So she turned to her secretary and said βyouβre pretty and you can flyβ and that was that. Β Daphne would fly Croydon to Paris on a 16 seater plane that did 160 mph.Β
Flying was different then. Β Thereβs a photo of Daphne at work with a sign above her head that says βSmoking Permitted.β Her duties included typing, dictation and serving the meals β usually salmon and caviar. And during her 10 month employment she apparently received 299 marriage proposals. Β
So if the new job was hardly a smashing of the glass ceiling, it was a first, and it reminds us that true equality of opportunity is still a long way off for many. Β Society has changed, but there is more to do. What steps can we take today to pioneer some small idea that will release a spirit of adventure for ourselves and those around us?
Lord, every breath is an opportunity from you. Give us courage to make the most of this day, fearlessly taking on the ideas and challenges that are outside our comfort zones. And help us to discover the fullness of life that comes only through your grace and truth.Β
Mary Bruce had an adventurous spirit. She was a show-jumper, broke records in car and speedboat racing, drove further into the Arctic than anyone else in the 20th century, and at the age of 81, she looped the loop in a plane.Β
She also owned an airline. And 81 years ago today she appointed her secretary as the only British female air steward before World War 2. At 19, Daphne Kearley was up for the adventure.Β
Mrs Bruce had noticed her European rivals employing female stewards, and knew they were well received by customers. Sheβd advertised, but all the women she interviewed became too airsick for the job! So she turned to her secretary and said βyouβre pretty and you can flyβ and that was that. Β Daphne would fly Croydon to Paris on a 16 seater plane that did 160 mph.Β
Flying was different then. Β Thereβs a photo of Daphne at work with a sign above her head that says βSmoking Permitted.β Her duties included typing, dictation and serving the meals β usually salmon and caviar. And during her 10 month employment she apparently received 299 marriage proposals. Β
So if the new job was hardly a smashing of the glass ceiling, it was a first, and it reminds us that true equality of opportunity is still a long way off for many. Β Society has changed, but there is more to do. What steps can we take today to pioneer some small idea that will release a spirit of adventure for ourselves and those around us?
Lord, every breath is an opportunity from you. Give us courage to make the most of this day, fearlessly taking on the ideas and challenges that are outside our comfort zones. And help us to discover the fullness of life that comes only through your grace and truth.Β
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- Tue 16 May 2017 05:43ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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