What does sisterhood mean to you?

The women of Asenath 3, front row: Associate Matron Moira Frierson and Worthy Matron Renee Watkins. back row: Terai Davis and Secretary Jamillah Allen.

What do you think about when someone asks you about sisterhood? Do you think about your siblings? Maybe a cousin who feels like a sister? Or maybe your definition is a little more formal - like the one in Merriam-Webster: "a community or society of women linked by a common interest." Whatever you believe, your answer isnt wrong. BUT beyond titles and definitions, I want you to allow yourself to believe that sisterhood runs deeper than blood or definition. It sustains you in struggle, restores you in silence, protects you in dangers, and empowers you in purpose.

Not all sisterhood is created equal.

Some sisterhood is surface-level.

Some is seasonal.

But true sisterhood, transformative sisterhood, is something divine.

To understand this, let's look at two of my favorite stories that show us what sisterhood can really mean when it's lived out. These two stories show you how sister hood functions under pressure and how it can be a source of healing, hope, and divine intervention.

Let's start with everybody's favorite book, shall we? The Color Purple.

In The Color Purple, Celie and Nettie are raised in hardship and abuse but are eventually separated by more abuse, time, and silence. Nettie is force to flee for her safety, while Celie is left behind and told that her sister is dead.

But they never stop loving.

They never stop hoping.

They never stop believing they'll find each other again.

Nettie writes letters even when she's unsure they'll reach Celie.

Celie holds on to the memory of Nettie, even when she's told her sister is gone. When they reunite, it's more than emotional, it is a spiritual resurrection. It's a reclaiming of voice, identity, and love.

This story teaches us that sisterhood is not always visible, but it is always present. Even when Celie and Nettie couldn't speak to one another, they were still spiritually connected. Their relationship demonstrates that true sisterhood doesn't require daily contact; it requires consistent care. Their hope and belief in one another carried them through despair. Celie believed even when it didnt make sense. Nettie reached out for years even when she didn't know if her voice would be heard.

Sisterhood here isn't loud - it's patient, persistent, and prayerful!

THIS kind of sisterhood is about promise. It's about presence and prayer, even in absence.

Now let's turn to scripture. In Joshua chapter two we learn about a woman named Rahab. When two Isralite spies come to the city, she hides them from soldiers. In return, she asks for protection but for her family not herself. But because of her seflessness she along with her family are spared. She chose to act in wisdom, bravery, and compassion and was rewarded for that.

In this story, we learn that true sisterhood is protective. She didn't wait for someone else to step in, she became the intercessor for her family. She used her voice, her courage, and her influence to literally save her family.

Now that story time is over, im sure you are asking "where are you going with this story?" and more specifically "what does this have to do with the Order?"

Celie and Nettie, and Rahab teach us that sisterhood is not about performance, it's about presence. It's about loyalty that isn't shaken, hope that won't quit, courage that can't die (not even when it's harmful), and love that covers even when it's not deserved.

As members of this Order, we have taken vows rooted in fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith, and love. These aren't just ceremonial words, they're spiritual charge.

Sisterhood in the Order (or in life in general), should reflect these sacred values. It should look like checking in on your sister even when you're tired. It should sound like defending your sister's name when she is not in the room. It should feel liek grace, not gossip; correction, not condemnation. A true sister lifts when others shrink. She prays without needing to be asked. She celebrates your wins as if they are her own.

We must regularly ask ourselves: are we practicing sisterhood - or just wearing the badge?

So again, what does sisterhood mean to you? Are you Celie, holdin on in silence believing no matter what? Are you Nettie, reaching out in faith even when there's no guarentee of return? Or, are you Rahab, ready to sacrifice your life to preserve those you love?

Wherever you are in your sisterhood journey, remeber this, Sisterhood is holy ground! It is not something to take lightly or treat casually. It is a calling. And when we walk in the kind of sisterhood modeled by women like Nettie, Celie, and Rahab, we don't just build stronger chapters - we build legacies rooted in love, faith, and diving purpose.