The Sisterhood

Long ago, without thinking, I told my dear mother, "I wish I had a sister!"  She quipped, "Oh, well, I tried."  I have three younger brothers.

Have you ever noticed that at most family get-togethers and parties in general, the women tend to group together and the men do the same, in separate areas?  There's good reasons for this: the sexes share attitudes and many experiences common to each one.

My female family and friends have been, in many ways, the backbone of my life as I hope I have helped support them, through the good times and the bad times.  We are not only compassionate listeners, we provide a springboard for new ideas.  Our confidantes are never judgmental, we can count on it.  We respect that if they are busy, we can call them again or they'll call back as soon as they can.  We never overtly solve each others' problems but we provide options at stressful and emotional times that we have not even thought of in the heat of the situation.  A sisterly hug will soothe a broken heart or a troubled soul.

Perhaps the highest 'level' of sisterhood are Faith Sisters, those who share our Christian faith and meet frequently.  We can truly 'connect' when we speak with our sisters about our joys and sorrows.

This past weekend, for a day and a half, I've been blessed to participate in a Women's Retreat at my church.  I had no idea of what to expect.  A 'retreat' is a time apart from your ordinary busy life to go to a special place, pray, read, get inspired and re-energized about one's faith and one life.  It is suggested that a person 'make' a retreat at times of life in which important transitions are happening, such as when getting married, being widowed, or any life circumstance that is radically changing.

There are private retreats, group retreats, 'couple' retreats, and 'themed' retreats.  Although I've often wished I could take part in a retreat at various times in my life, I've had the privilege only once, when I was about to be married, half a century ago (no kidding!).  It was an individual retreat, I went to a convent where, several times a day, a priest gave us several lectures on marriage.  The rest of the weekend, we were free to read and pray, even walk around the grounds.  We had individual rooms for sleeping and went to a common dining room for meals, in silence.  I thought it was very useful, spiritually.

At church this weekend, we experienced a group retreat for women.  There were different themes centering around Scripture and Discipleship.  More than 40 women participated.  Overnight, we slept on cots in several rooms in the basement of the church.  I awoke one time and there was perfect silence and stillness, much to my surprise.  We were served really great meals and enjoyed each other's companionship.  I knew some of the ladies and got to know many more. I will treasure this retreat forever!

There is also the Brotherhood of men.  Men need friends, especially those of their own faith.

Viva the Sisterhood!  Praise you, Lord, for all my sisters, help us continue all our special relationships!