To Be One, Ask One: Invitation, Access, and Discernment

“To be one, ask one” is more than just a phrase, it’s a principle. This isn’t just tradition, it is spiritual boundary work. It’s our way of ensuring that those who come into this sacred space of sisterhood belong. It is to ensure that they are truly called, prepared, and aligned with the principles we hold dear.

We don’t throw open the doors to anyone who’s curious. Instead, we wait for a sincere request. We observe. We challenge. We discern. Because just like you don’t hand your car keys over to a stranger, and you don’t just invite coworkers to your house (or at least I hope you only invite the ones you have real connections with), you don’t hand over the secrets of sisterhood without thought and intention.

This idea, the power of invitation – shows up in more ways than one!

The Power of Invitation - Lessons from Sinners

I want to talke about the movie Sinners and let me start by saying GOD BLESS MICHAEL B. JORDAN (make sure you know the B is for Bae). But anywho, in the movie, the part that stuck with me the most (other than there were TWO MBJs) is that the vampires couldn’t enter the juke joint until they were invited in. Fiction? Yes, sure. But that is so deeply symbolic! Think about it. They couldn’t even cross the trhreshold until Grace called them in (and I am still so mad at her). They needed access. And once granted, they wreaked havoc.

That scene got me spiritually!!!

An invitation isn’t just a welcome, it’s a gateway. Once you invite someone or something into your space, your mind,  your hear, your home, your sisterhood, it has power!!! Because:

-              Invitation grants access.

-              Access creates connection.

-              Connection can lead to influence… whether good or bad.

So, then the  real question becomes “who or what are you giving access to?”

OES Petitioning – A Process of Protection

In OES, even when someone petitions to join the Order, it doesn’t stop there. We don’t say yes just because someone wants to join. We have a process. There’s investigation. There’s inquiry. There’s a vote, There’s initiation.

Why? Because just like we don’t let vampires in without an invitation in the movies, and just like we don’t open our homes to just anyone in the real world, we don’t open our sacred spaces without discernment.

This protects the integrity of our sisterhood and ensures that those who enter do so with genuine intentions, aligned values, and a true understanding of what we represent. It allows us to preserve the sanctity of the Order.

Biblical Discernment

The good book also reminds us to be careful of who and what we allow into our lives.

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV), says, “Don’t be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” Some may see that as just a warning, but that is a literal blueprint. The people we surround ourselves with, the ones we let in, can shape us in ways we don’t even realize. Think about the concept of one bad apple spoiling the bunch.

And then in 1 John 4:1 (ESV), we’re told “beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

These verses remind you both biblically and symbolically that discernment is divine. Be sure to test, to discern, and to choose wisely because the people you invite in, into your life, your heart, your organization, can either uplift you or corrupt you!

Spiritual Security & Sisterhood

Furthermore, OES isn’t just a social group. It is a spiritual fellowship built on the principles of charity, truth, loving-kindness, loyalty, and sacrifice. These aren’t just words, they’re expectations. And if we’re going to keep the Order in order, spiritually and communally, we must be intentional about who enters our circle.

 Letting the wrong energy into the room can shift the atmosphere. That’s why “to be one, ask one” matters. It’s not gatekeeping, it’s gate-guarding. And THAT is holy work!

Takeaways...

So I will end this word salad with this:

“An open door is an invitation – be sure it’s one you meant to send.”

Always be vigilant in who you allow in:

-              Into your sacred space(s),

-              Into your inner circle,

-              Into your heart,

-              Into your spiritual walk.

And just as importantly, be the kind of light, love, and integrity that is worthy of being invited into the lives/memories of others.

We must model the kind of spirit that is worthy of being invited in ourselves.

If you are interested in joining Asenath 3, please click here!