Chieko N. Okazaki, first counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency from 1990 - 1997, once said, “When our burdens are grievous to be borne, when we face a world in which it seems that there is only struggle and no rest, I hope we can remember the immense strength of our sisterhood, the reservoirs that we have within us, and the unfailing wellspring of the Savior’s love for us, even in the midst of adversity.” (“Finding Lightness in Our Burdens,” The Best of Women’s Conference).
That feeling of sisterhood that Okazaki was talking about is exactly what these girls provided me last night:
We met in Jerusalem and became kindred spirits over pita, pillow talk, broken straighteners, and failed Old Testament quizzes. Having the four of us together again last night opened my heart to so much joy. I was reminded of how good it feels to be around women, let alone friends who listen, understand, validate, and want to help you in any way they can.
As we sat at the table eating our scrumptious confetti cake, I couldn't help but feel like I was getting a great big hug from the Savior. We each took turns updating the others on our life story. I sat in gratitude as each of my friends expressed the joys and worries they'd been processing over the last four months. Their stories reminded me that nobody is ever alone, that everyone has trials, and that I'm not as crazy as I think I am. I left our girls' night feeling perfectly validated. I also felt hopeful and calm about whatever lies ahead the rest of this year. Sometimes, only sisterhood can cause that kind of peace in your life.
There are many other women in my life who have stimulated this same sisterhood effect. And to you all I say thank you: for your prayers, gchats, emails, text messages, phone calls, lunch dates, blog comments, etc. You truly are burden lifters, joy givers and love providers. Thank you for sharing your reserviors of insight and charity; and your unfailing wellspring of friendship and service.
That feeling of sisterhood that Okazaki was talking about is exactly what these girls provided me last night:
We met in Jerusalem and became kindred spirits over pita, pillow talk, broken straighteners, and failed Old Testament quizzes. Having the four of us together again last night opened my heart to so much joy. I was reminded of how good it feels to be around women, let alone friends who listen, understand, validate, and want to help you in any way they can.
As we sat at the table eating our scrumptious confetti cake, I couldn't help but feel like I was getting a great big hug from the Savior. We each took turns updating the others on our life story. I sat in gratitude as each of my friends expressed the joys and worries they'd been processing over the last four months. Their stories reminded me that nobody is ever alone, that everyone has trials, and that I'm not as crazy as I think I am. I left our girls' night feeling perfectly validated. I also felt hopeful and calm about whatever lies ahead the rest of this year. Sometimes, only sisterhood can cause that kind of peace in your life.
There are many other women in my life who have stimulated this same sisterhood effect. And to you all I say thank you: for your prayers, gchats, emails, text messages, phone calls, lunch dates, blog comments, etc. You truly are burden lifters, joy givers and love providers. Thank you for sharing your reserviors of insight and charity; and your unfailing wellspring of friendship and service.
Oh Katie, I love you, and reading this gave me chills. We are all so lucky to have each other!
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