You have probably heard the term "Sisterhood". For some women, it is the bond shared between women. It's designed for women to treat each other as you would treat your own blood sister-under the notion that you actually LIKE your blood sister!! I use to hate that term and it was so cliché when I heard it. But growth has allowed me to understand and appreciate it. And I understand and appreciate the power we hold, as women. Imagine harnessing that power, collectively!
In polygamous relationships, the term is the bond the "wives" share with each other. In the U.S., polygamy is illegal, so these women are spiritually married to the same man. Ideally, he provides for each of the women the same. And though there may be conflict, occasionally, the women-overall-work together for the good of the family. However, there are polygamous families where the women do not live together and do not even get along-even though they know of/about each other. Kind of like "I know you exist, but I don't want to be friends/sisters with you". They share a husband and that is all. How beautiful it is for us as women to know and understand that another woman loving the man we love has nothing to do with us. Her feelings are hers and should be validated as that. More than one woman can love the same man and it not be a competition. Know this: if we are in a relationship with a great person, clearly, we are not the only person who can see their good qualities. It is okay to feel how you feel, just be mindful to respect others feelings and not do anything to a woman you wouldn't want done to you! We don't own people, we just own our feelings.
In polygamous (polygynous-one man, multiple wives) relationships, sisterhood can be the thing that makes or breaks a family. And that bond can be beautiful and beneficial to all involved. Example: Children grow up in a household where at least one mother will be home with children (if they attend school outside the home). And if something were to happen to one mother, the children have been reared by another, who understands the values the birth mother has set in place for her children. There is no need for outside babysitters or daycare centers. Siblings grow up together and the women grow together, as women. The new ones can learn from the old ones and vice versa. I am not pushing polygamy on anyone, but I do see and understand the benefits these women speak of. And most are candid about the difficult times, also. But that is for another blog!
Sisterhood is important for women to grow as women. See, it isn't just for polygamous women, all women can benefit from sisterhood. How often do we miss out on friendships because we are not understood by another woman? How often do we take the time to be negative and argue rather than listen with an open mind, to another woman? How often do we fight over men, job positions, other things we think are rare and near extinct? None of that is necessary when we understand that sisterhood is the foundation for women empowering women rather than tearing down. I understand and stress the importance of having males in the household or at least having males present in the lives of children-boys AND girls. I am in no way belittling that importance. But women can work together to support each other in situations. I love pampering others. I love to assist other people, especially when they need it the most and may be too proud to ask. Childbirth is a time where women should be pampered. You just gave life. You should rest your body and mind and allow others to assist you on this journey with your new baby. How great would it be to have a circle or a sister to be there for you and do little things like run bath water, clean clothes for you and baby, watch baby so you can sleep or have a few hours to yourself?! Those things are important! Sisterhood can provide that.
Sisterhood in the workplace matters, too. How many times do we ignore women a work because we are insecure about our job position or we want to be where they are/or they want to be where we are and instead of coming together-because there IS room for us all- we look down on and are not kind to others? It happens, often. Sisterhood can be the difference between cussing someone out and offering to mentor them. I know, I know, all women are not easy to get along with. Some are just mean people. I stay away from them. I say silent words of wisdom and prayers for them. Their anger, hate, bitterness, or just overall horrible attitude has NOTHING to do with me. And I know there are many other women who want to get along rather than create conflict.
It is okay to be friends with other women. I repeat. IT IS OKAY TO BE FRIENDS WITH OTHER WOMEN! If sisterhood is something you strive to have, by all means, seek that out!!
Nicole Rene
In polygamous relationships, the term is the bond the "wives" share with each other. In the U.S., polygamy is illegal, so these women are spiritually married to the same man. Ideally, he provides for each of the women the same. And though there may be conflict, occasionally, the women-overall-work together for the good of the family. However, there are polygamous families where the women do not live together and do not even get along-even though they know of/about each other. Kind of like "I know you exist, but I don't want to be friends/sisters with you". They share a husband and that is all. How beautiful it is for us as women to know and understand that another woman loving the man we love has nothing to do with us. Her feelings are hers and should be validated as that. More than one woman can love the same man and it not be a competition. Know this: if we are in a relationship with a great person, clearly, we are not the only person who can see their good qualities. It is okay to feel how you feel, just be mindful to respect others feelings and not do anything to a woman you wouldn't want done to you! We don't own people, we just own our feelings.
In polygamous (polygynous-one man, multiple wives) relationships, sisterhood can be the thing that makes or breaks a family. And that bond can be beautiful and beneficial to all involved. Example: Children grow up in a household where at least one mother will be home with children (if they attend school outside the home). And if something were to happen to one mother, the children have been reared by another, who understands the values the birth mother has set in place for her children. There is no need for outside babysitters or daycare centers. Siblings grow up together and the women grow together, as women. The new ones can learn from the old ones and vice versa. I am not pushing polygamy on anyone, but I do see and understand the benefits these women speak of. And most are candid about the difficult times, also. But that is for another blog!
Sisterhood is important for women to grow as women. See, it isn't just for polygamous women, all women can benefit from sisterhood. How often do we miss out on friendships because we are not understood by another woman? How often do we take the time to be negative and argue rather than listen with an open mind, to another woman? How often do we fight over men, job positions, other things we think are rare and near extinct? None of that is necessary when we understand that sisterhood is the foundation for women empowering women rather than tearing down. I understand and stress the importance of having males in the household or at least having males present in the lives of children-boys AND girls. I am in no way belittling that importance. But women can work together to support each other in situations. I love pampering others. I love to assist other people, especially when they need it the most and may be too proud to ask. Childbirth is a time where women should be pampered. You just gave life. You should rest your body and mind and allow others to assist you on this journey with your new baby. How great would it be to have a circle or a sister to be there for you and do little things like run bath water, clean clothes for you and baby, watch baby so you can sleep or have a few hours to yourself?! Those things are important! Sisterhood can provide that.
Sisterhood in the workplace matters, too. How many times do we ignore women a work because we are insecure about our job position or we want to be where they are/or they want to be where we are and instead of coming together-because there IS room for us all- we look down on and are not kind to others? It happens, often. Sisterhood can be the difference between cussing someone out and offering to mentor them. I know, I know, all women are not easy to get along with. Some are just mean people. I stay away from them. I say silent words of wisdom and prayers for them. Their anger, hate, bitterness, or just overall horrible attitude has NOTHING to do with me. And I know there are many other women who want to get along rather than create conflict.
It is okay to be friends with other women. I repeat. IT IS OKAY TO BE FRIENDS WITH OTHER WOMEN! If sisterhood is something you strive to have, by all means, seek that out!!
Nicole Rene
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