When looking up the word sisterhood, it is explained to be the relationship between sisters. It is also an association, society, or community of women linked by a common interest, religion, or trade.
After reading the definition I couldn't help to wonder what holds sisterhood together. To me you need more than the commonality to experience true sisterhood. It's deeper than just joining an organization or company.
In 2002, I joined a National Service Program. At that time in my life happiness was disguised by fake smiles and putting on the “I have it all together” suit. I remember seeing a lady and prompting much judgment on her. How could I possibly make presumption about someone because of who they are without knowing them personally? Because of where I was in my life none of that mattered. All I knew was I didn't like her because of XYZ. Throughout the program terms we became closer and closer. The more we talked the more we became connected. We were connected in a way that nobody could understand, but God.
I remember us calling each other up and screaming about what messages we received from God or how parallel our life stories were. The thing that got me the most was after we had a heart to heart she expressed her first initial thoughts about me. She said I'm going to be honest, you were not the most approachable person. She said I knew you had to wear that mask to hide behind who you really were.
In that moment I froze, and tears started rolling down my face. I realized that she was more than my friend. She was my sister, my mother, but more importantly, my angel. While I was wearing a mask and trying to cover my insecurities from being in an abusive relationship, she was there to help me unravel the hurt and pain that was holding me back from Gods best. She didn't let the presumption she had of me turn her away from doing God’s work.
1 John 2:9-11 says, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.”
So often we as women come to a position of hate towards our sisters because we are caught up in our own hurt, pain, and misery. We must own up to our faults and push past the circumstances that hinder us. How can we say we love God, but hate our sister?
1 John 4:20-21 says, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
To obtain true sisterhood, we must first be whole in Christ. We must imitate his image with love and kindness. I thank God for placing my “sister” in my life when he did. Now after 16 years ago, we are still share sisterhood. The way she took me in and showed me who God is exemplified my faith in him. I left my abusive relationship. I started loving myself more and learned what true sisterhood is all about. Sisterhood is a journey, not a destination. It's about giving of yourself without judgment. A sister is a gift to the heart and a golden thread to the meaning of life.
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