The Unity of Sisterhood

There comes a time in every woman's life when you realize that life is so much better because of someone, specifically another woman who made you so much stronger and wiser. Perhaps a mother, a teacher, a sister, best friend, cousin, aunt, a mom of another friend, or godmother who offered something that tremendously improved your life. That special woman who shinned light and illuminated a special something in you. A woman who made you feel more than ordinary while looking beyond the exterior human shell. Today, I am not alone. I am held up by an energetic power of women. Some very special women in my life who stand by me, beside me and behind me cheering me on and lifting me up. Angels on Earth to shine goodness and stand as beacons of love. I didn't know it at the time, I didn't know that God had placed certain women in my life to love me and lift me up when I needed it the most. Today I look back and I realize the greater picture of how vital a woman's strength, love, and compassion can be to another woman. To empower, to motivate, to lift you up during challenging times, during times of doubt or darkness. At a time when you really need it most.

In very early childhood, I had three special Aunts whom I admired. They were always so strong and empowered. They seemed to have all the answers and knew something about everything! They cooked, they had families, they were fun, they laughed but had a sense of strength that said do not mess with me. I admired them for their knowledge. They seemed bigger than life. I can remember feeling small next to their strength and wisdom. I wanted to emulate their greatness.

In my teen years, Becky, the mother of my best friend Kim, loved on me so much. Becky nurtured me like one of her own. She didn't get anything from it, she had no hidden agenda or ulterior motive- she just gave of herself wholeheartedly, gave of herself to me as I was her own daughter. I was always at my best friends, Kim's house. Kim, my 1st Best friend I met when I moved to Texas. We were around 12 when we met and we wanted to spend every minute of the day together, we were inseparable. I had no sisters at the time and Kim was the closest thing to a sister for me. I was always at her house for a spend the night, for dinners, over the weekends, for mini trips, and holidays. I some how became a part of their little family. It just happened and it became the normal for me to just always be at Kim's house. I felt safe and considered it another place to call home. I was nurtured and supported. I never thought anything of it growing up. I just thought it was normal for another mom to treat you as their own. It just seemed like that's what mom's do, right? To nurture and take care of? It wasn't until later in life as an adult that I realized how unique this relationship was and how very special that time was for me, with Kim, her family, and her mom Becky. A life long relationship that instilled a love in me that would later set off actions in my own life of how I wanted to be, and how I wanted to live my life as well as how I wanted to treat others.

In my early twenties I met my dearest soul sister, Genevieve. Genevieve would come into my life when I needed a strong soul sister the most. We were the same age, both single mothers, both with little boys, both just trying to start life with so many extraordinary factors in our paths. We shared similar stories and quickly realized we needed each other on so many levels. She would teach me generosity from a place of genuine love and authenticity. Giving of herself, her time, her energy, her constant love and attention for everything no matter how great or small. Confidence, strength, beauty, mixed with a overly abundant loving heart, a true friendship of acceptance, of spiritual and emotional growth. A friendship that would endure the test of time and distance.

Then there is my Godmother, Rosie, whom I personally re-titled as Godmother because she taught me how the resilience of a woman can hold steadfast through prayer and family. She taught me love, grace, and compassion in the most beautiful ways. Her love for family and her love for God gave me the courage to embrace all parts of myself even throughout some very uncomfortable moments in my life, like my divorce.

Rosie, a woman full of kindness and full of love, far beyond anything I had ever experienced in my life. She showed me the act of kindness despite adversity. She lifted me up with her words of love and compassion. She always challenged me to see beyond and look deeper, beyond the superficial, beyond that of this world. She always spoke of Gods love and lived her life as an example of the passion she felt for her strong faith. I emulated what I saw, and strive only to be an just a little something of what she is.

Today in my forties, I embrace a network of friendships and relationships that continue to nurture me and empower me both personally and spiritually. My early years remind me of just how important it is to keep a tight community of women around you. A tribe of warriors that make you better and wiser! A group of authentic women that are wholesome, strong, encouraging, uplifting and honest. Each different and unique in their own ways. Each coming to the table with their own set of unique talents and gifts. Today I choose and hope to be the same for other women. Because without each other who are we? Life is too short to not surround yourself with powerful, motivating women. I never want to be in a relationship where I cannot share authentically who I am (good or not bad). In the friendships I value, I love GIVING as much as I love receiving. A Give and Take. A constant flow of positive energy.

We all come from different walks of life, we all share femininity and gender, we also share so many similar stories of strengths that pulled us through tough times as well as stories of triumph, hardships, love, faith, passion, and endurance. The unity of sisterhood, making us stronger and better while giving us a safe place to always come home to. So many good women in my life, so many blessings that entered my life when I needed it the most. I was in my early 20's when I lost my own sweet mamma. She was only 42. I truly believe in my heart that God specifically placed other strong female role models in my life to serve as mentors, teachers, and guides. There are lots of you, whom I admire and love dearly. The stories of strength, friendship, and sisterhood can go for miles. Each special friend and sister have a very special part in my heart. I can write a chapter for each, however that would make this blog post a book! Perhaps ideas for the future....to be continued... :)

Do YOU have that special someone who has made you stronger, better, or more refined. Do you have that special someone who lifts you up and makes you feel like you've just been touched by an angel? I know I have and I stand here today, not alone but with a strong army of women behind me, supporting me, lifting me up and always giving me strong words of love and encouragement to make me persevere forward. Thank you Sisters.

Thank you friends. Thank you, to all the women who have loved, nurtured, and supported me. And the women that continue to do so. I stand here not alone. Thank You today and Always. Because when I'm falling or sliding down that slippery slope, or extra large chair, I know you are ALWAYS lifting me up, standing right by my side.

Love you All,

Erica Jane