She ain’t heavy, she’s my sister

“I wish more women realized that helping another woman win, cheering her on, praying for her, or sharing a resource with her, does NOT take away from the blessings coming to them. In fact, the more you give, the more you receive. Empowering women doesn’t come from selfishness but rather from selflessness.“

– Selene Kinder

If you know me you’ve certainly heard this before, I’ve always wanted a sister.  My mother has two, my father has four, I have none.  When I was younger and not sure how the world worked, I thought by asking my mother for a baby sister, she would readily oblige and pouf like magic I would get my wish.

In my little girl’s mind, it was already ingrained that a sisterly bond was unbreakable simply by observing my mother and her sisters and my paternal aunts.  I too, yearned to be part of that close-knit circle.  I wanted a sister with whom I could share my secrets, who held me accountable, who advised and reprimanded as needs be.  A sister who was a fashion critic and in whose closet I shopped, but most importantly, I wanted a sister who was also my dearest friend. This longing for a sister intensified as I got older and observed my close female friends and the relationship with their sisters. Despite their numerous tiffs, they were inseparable and when they got together, unshakeable. 

Admittedly, I am a tad jealous of that sisterly bond but still thankful that my close female friends have helped fill that void. I call them my sister friends and they are always there to listen, pray, encourage, scold and advise. They are my personal cheerleading squad and I love them fiercely. I am forever grateful for them.

On International Women’s Day, my clarion call to all women is let’s be a friend to each other.  Let’s love each other wholeheartedly, let’s uplift each other. Let’s lock our arms, hold our chins and heads high and walk tall and proud!

Happy International Women’s Day to all women! For all the women who have carried me and buoyed me up and continue so to do, thank you.

Leave a comment or send me an email on how you’ve benefitted from your close female friends and relatives and how you pay it forward. Thank you.