The RJ Group sent an open invitation (with no expiration date) to all Women who are willing to share their Empowerment and Sisterhood experiences with other Women.

Patricia J. Gilliam accepted our invitation.

Meet Empowered Woman, Patricia J. Gilliam, born and raised in Atlanta, GA, a S(T)EM professional, and single mother of three, two of them have gone to college. Patricia has experienced struggles and woes that some Women often find it difficult to share, privately or publicly.  Patricia has moved through life standing tall on the strength and lessons given by her Grandmother, and other Women, who have all positively impacted her life. Patricia also has two (Women) friends of over 30 years, with whom she continues to have a very strong bond. Patricia has served on the board of a non-profit organization and participated in civic engagements that have added tremendous value to her most heartfelt passion, focused services for Women and Girls.

The RJ Group thanks Patricia for sharing her story. We hope others will find it beneficial to do the same. Women need to hear from other Women about life experiences, Sisterhood, and Empowering Love.

Share, Like, and Join the RJ Group.

Peace & Blessings,

Grace Sowtrue

The RJ Group

I watched this video and began to reflect on the power of words. It is very uplifting when someone, especially a sister, God-sister, or sister-friend speaks words that illuminate love. I have two sisters, both older than me; and my father has two daughters, also my sisters. I wanted more love from them as we grew older, but you cannot give something that is not owned. They needed love too. My parents were young when they started a family and could only give what was passed down to them. They loved us; but for me there was always something missing. I had to grow into love, it took a lot of hurt to get there; and there is still lots to do. I love my sisters, blood and others too.

I also have sister-friends and a God-sister. I cherish all of these relationships. Our gatherings are always positive and kindred. I know they are always there for me, as I am them.  I wonder what it would be like if my Sister Net was spread wider? It appears as though many women have a few special friends, who are like sisters, but know many women with whom love is not shown. Some have sisters and are not as close as they could be. Call it sibling rivalry or sister-hate. It is real, although it serves no purpose.

It would be nice if women shared more sister love. Imagine how beautiful our lives would be if we did. Share words that uplift, but not tear down. Omit shade and embrace the positive. Let your guards down long enough to see the beauty in each other. Sometimes words hurt, regardless of the intent. Silence is even worse when you may need to hear something to give you confidence and courage.

It can start with you, a smile will do. A compliment or reiteration of something positive the other woman already knows. Sister-love is powerful. Sister-love is needed. Sister-love breeds love.

https://youtu.be/NYmrjhjaRU4

I love my mother. She had a wealth of knowledge and because of my lack of what I thought was love, what she had to share was missed. I can’t bring her back, but do remember her words, and they were love. Show someone love today. Embrace your sister(s) or sister friends. Nothing is as strong as love and it should be cherished.

Listen to Maya share about love. Love a sister today. Show some sister love, because it matters to you and them.

Peace and Love,

Grace Sowtrue

The RJ Group

When I moved to Atlanta in ’96, it was very exciting for me. It was a time of promise that would allow me to get engaged in groups that I thought of as powerful. I attended a few meetings, of some that are nationally known and other local groups. I received a worm welcome initially, but did not receive a welcome, inviting feeling about joining, or being there for that matter. Why is that? Some groups brag about being open and that all are welcome. This is not true. At first, I thought it was me, however, as I met other transplants they expressed the same. We talked about how cliquish some of the groups are, especially the Women. What is the problem? There is often a sense of rivalry, insecurity, or jealousy that is venomous in Women. There is hardly a time when Women engage with each other without some motive. Where do you work? What do you do for a living? Who do you know? What a difference it would make just see each other as we are and get to know one another without the facades.

It is an empowering feeling to be around another Woman and bond without judgment. Take the test. Do you lock arms when other Women want to enter your circle? Are you stepping on someone else to gain some material possession? Keep it light, ladies. We are so powerful and can express it more in numbers. Love and Peace are powerful! Don’t feel threatened if another Woman wants to join you in a cause, friendship, or group, let them. Cliques don’t click! You will find it refreshing to live in trust. Who knows what that Woman will bring to the table? It certainly won’t be you if the opportunity is declined. Remember the saying, “nothing can enter a closed fist, but an open hand has lots to gain.”

Peace and Blessings,

Grace Sowtrue

The RJ Group