Sisterhood An Invaluable Currency
By Maiya A. Royé
We have the privilege of experiencing several different types of love in our lifetimes. While emphasis is often placed on romantic or familial love, I believe that platonic is one of the most intentional and rewarding types; the women that I’ve chosen to surround myself with have shown me a level of care and compassion that I didn’t know was possible. They’ve reassured me, held me accountable, prayed for me, been a listening ear, and so much more. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be the woman that I am today if not for the women I’m blessed to have in my life.
Community is the highest form of currency. Community watches your children while you run errands, offers to clean your home while you grieve, and sings your praises in rooms that you have yet to enter. What you wear or drive might give the illusion of money, but how people show up for you is the true testament of wealth. Unfortunately, capitalism has convinced us that individualism is the key to success. It teaches us to sacrifice the “we” for an “I”, forcing people to turn their back on the very thing that will get them through hard times. It’s not until we unlearn this way of thinking that we begin to see the value in bonding, community and sisterhood.
I’ve often struggled with consistency during my spiritual journey and if it wasn’t for my sisters – both blood and chosen — I would have lost my way a long time ago. Sometimes life pulls me in a million different directions and I remember to make time for everything except God. The Bible studies and Sunday services become less frequent and reading the verse of the day feels more like a task than a privilege. In these moments, I can turn to my close friends and get the support I need to readjust and refocus. They remind me to lean not on my own understanding and be in the world, not of it.
When I’m dealing with the woes of ADHD or feeling overwhelmed by life in general I reach out to my girls because they’re always there to give me tips on how to conquer my mental health battles, all while putting a smile on my face. I’m never met with any judgment, even when my actions are the reason that I’m going through chaos. They stand on business and remind me that my purpose calls for me to do the same. I never considered how much their treatment reflects God’s grace until now.
There’s peace in knowing that I have a safe space to fall apart. I spend less time pretending to be okay because vulnerability is encouraged in my circle. I know my limits and who I can ask to lighten the load before I’ve reached them. That authenticity is necessary for maintaining my mental health.
It can be hard to open yourself up to making new friends - especially those that you can really lean on - but it’s so worth it in the end. When you have quality women in your life you can breathe easier, dream bigger, go farther. May sisterhood continue to be God’s reminder that we are always cared for deeply and intentionally.
