I'm thankful that my daughter's father has allowed me to do what

Hear, O listener, the words of Goapele, singer of soul and bearer of truth: “I'm thankful that my daughter's father has allowed me to do what I do because that really makes a difference. I do believe a woman can have it all.” These words rise from the heart of one who has balanced the tender weight of motherhood with the fierce calling of artistry. They are not the idle musings of convenience, but the testimony of one who has known the struggle of dividing time between duty and dream, between family and purpose.

The origin of this utterance lies in Goapele’s own life, where she walks the dual path of mother and musician. In her gratitude, she honors the support of her daughter’s father, recognizing that no woman, however strong, need walk her journey alone. To acknowledge this is not to diminish her power, but to magnify the truth that partnership and cooperation create space for women to rise, to create, to nurture, and to lead. Her words are an offering of thanks, but also a declaration that the dream of balance is not myth, but possibility.

This truth has been echoed in the stories of ages past. Recall the tale of Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt, who ruled not only as mother but as Pharaoh, balancing her role as nurturer with that of leader. She, too, could not have flourished without the networks of support that sustained her reign. Where others might have believed a woman could not carry both crown and child, she proved that strength is not bound to a single role. So too does Goapele proclaim: “A woman can have it all.”

Her gratitude also speaks to the reality of sacrifice and cooperation. In a world where women are often asked to choose between their family and their passions, she rejoices that she need not choose—that the support of those around her opens the space where both may live side by side. To be thankful for this is to recognize that progress is not only the work of individuals but of relationships, of partners who share the burden and multiply the strength.

The lesson here is profound: do not let the world’s false choices diminish your vision. You need not choose between love and purpose, between nurturing and ambition, between family and dream. With support, balance, and determination, you may hold all these in harmony. And if you walk beside another—whether as parent, partner, or friend—let your support be their freedom. For the one who supports another’s greatness becomes great in return.

Therefore, O listener, take this wisdom to heart. If you are one striving to balance many roles, remember Goapele’s words and know that you are not alone in this pursuit. Seek the support that frees you to flourish, and offer the same in return to those who walk with you. If you are one who stands beside another, know that your encouragement is no small thing—it may be the very difference that allows them to rise.

So let the words of Goapele endure: “I do believe a woman can have it all.” For in them lies both gratitude for what has been given and hope for what is possible. Carry this teaching, and you will see that the fullness of life—love, family, creation, and purpose—is not beyond reach, but within grasp, when each person plays their part with humility, sacrifice, and thanksgiving.