As we stated in the introduction post on Monday, we've started this project to improve the bonds of sisterhood among LDS women everywhere. So, I guess that begs the question - what is "sisterhood"?
Growing up, I always felt a whole lot more comfortable hanging out with boys than I did with girls. Throughout most of high school, I would invite mostly guys over and my parents would fret that I had no girlfriends. Guys just made more sense to me, so I didn't mind.
Because of this, I never really got all that into Young Womens, but when I came to Relief Society, something changed. There was really something beautiful about having all these different women, of all different ages, from all different backgrounds, who had this belief system in common. For the first time, I began to understand the meaning of sisterhood on a level that wasn't just about my actual sisters (whom I love, by the way :-) )
For me, sisterhood isn't something I can adequately describe. I would have to say it's about common experiences and common goals. It's about being tied together at our cores by our femininity, which is something truly awesome.
Beyond, that, though...I guess I'll let some quotes do the talking. They always say it better than me anyways. :-)
"I believe God lets us stumble along, slowly finding our way, and giving us chances to pick each other up."
- Anna White
"Help one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood. "
- Louisa May Alcott
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"Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."
- Carol Saline
"They were absolutely lovely, and in their presence, so was she." - Ann Brashares
"We can have unity in diversity and diversity in unity. We don’t have to be like one another to enjoy sisterhood."
- Barbara W. Winder
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"Women who understand how powerful they are do not give into envy over meaningless things, instead they fight to maintain the beautiful bond of the sisterhood. These are the real women who know that we need each other’s love & support to survive in this world. Love is the essence of being a woman. We must be that light of love that seals the bond & unique beauty of our sisterhood."
- Bindu
"A basic reality of life is that we all struggle. We hurt and have hurt other people. We all feel lost sometimes. This isn’t all we are, but it is a part of who we are. The only question I have when I’m with someone is, 'Can they admit it? And will they let me admit it too?'"
- Anna White
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"It is also true that the harder you work in the service of the Lord, the sweeter the sisterhood."
- Barbara Smith
"Sisters touch your heart in ways no other could. Sisters share... their hopes, their fears, their love, everything they have. Real friendship springs from their special bonds."
- Carrie Bagwell
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"Oh, how we need each other. Those of us who are old need you who are young. And, hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old. It is a sociological fact that women need women. We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other."
- Marjorie P. Hinckley
“We're connected, as women. It's like a spiderweb. If one part of that web vibrates, if there's trouble, we all know it, but most of the time we're just too scared, or selfish, or insecure to help. But if we don't help each other, who will?”
- Sarah Addison Allen
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“Women are going to form a chain, a greater sisterhood than the world has ever known.”
- Nellie L. McClung
Sisterhood is all those things! So well put! It is so great to be around other women and feel the support that being in a group of woman can bring. It is great when you can be understood, and not judged. It is great when you can laugh at yourself with someone and not be laughed at! It is also gratifying, when you go home knowing you won't be talked about in a negative way behind your back. Sisters love and support each other. We all need that!
ReplyDeleteYes! I totally agree with this. I think trust especially is an incredibly important part of sisterhood - if you're helping your sisters, but then talking behind their back after they leave, what good does that do? Thanks for sharing, Marie!! :-)
DeleteI've always had issues forming relationships with other women. Due to my own insecurities or theirs, who knows. But when I find a girl I bond with, I cling to her! Women can be hurtful to each other in ways than men can't. We know exactly where it hurts. Sisterhood to me is about women uniting together against all that negativity. The world is mean enough to us, we should be kinder to one another. We have to stop picking ourselves apart AND each other. We have to value what is different in each one of us!
ReplyDeleteI love the Bindu quote. I have a hard time relating to other women at times. I can be very critical and judgmental. I am of myself, so I do it to others as well. I've honestly found that I've had to open my heart a little and there is SO much to be found when you open yourself up to love. So much goodness to see in others and to feel for yourself.
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