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

One day, while walking to school with my brother (I was seven, he was ll), two of his classmates started making comments about my dress. The two were girls and they were being very mean about my attire. My parents owned their home, however, our means were modest. I liked my dress, but they didn’t. My brother proceeded to defend me and ward them off. They continued to make comments, laugh, and ran ahead of us. I did not understand what they were saying, but I could tell by the verbal exchange and the look on his face that something was wrong. What could possibly have been the matter with my dress? What would make them pick on me in a manner where my brother had to defend?

As I grew up, it became clear how cruel we (girls) can be to each other. Jealousy, envy, fitting in, going along, selfishness and more reasons than I will list here. I can recall being on the other side and was mean to someone for no apparent reason other than I could. We grow up and carry that torture and bullying mentality into our lives. We have all done it at some point, whether it was intentional or not. Solidarity is real when it comes from a place of truth and trust. I walk past Women who do not offer a kind nod or gesture. They look straight ahead as if I am invisible. Let’s face it, Women struggle so hard to unite because we are still divided in some ways. Yes, there are some of us who genuinely accept all no matter who you are and what you have. And, there are those who continue to segregate based on classicism, race, geographic locale, etc. We can stop it at any time. I have taken measures to do just that. Will you?

With the current Women’s movement and recognition that we are garnering today, how about putting forth an effort to include other Women who are different from you? Say hello, smile, nod, do something to build a sisterhood that can be embraced. We have to trust each other and be trustworthy towards one another. Today I have sister friends, whom I trust. I am putting forth a heartfelt effort to be better than those girls who introduced me to shame at the age of seven.

If we all cannot get on board in solidarity, then what’s the point?

What’s your story?

Peace and Blessings,

Grace Sowtrue

The RJ Group

I am really intrigued by this story and want to share it with you. Having been in the Information Technology (IT) field for over 20 years, it is very refreshing (as always) to see someone else who shares my thoughts and vision. It is clear that women in IT are few and far in between. As a black woman, I see fewer of us than I do women altogether. When we speak up and do what we can to make a difference, it makes a difference. Even if the numbers effected by the change are small, they still change.

If each one of us who are in positions or capable of helping others would do just that, then the numbers would be greater. Yes, we need women’s rights more than anything, and we also need to take notice when others who look different are treated differently because their hue is a different shade. Since we are standing together, let’s all do it and leave bias and prejudice somewhere else. Mentor, coach, pass the torch, be a role model to give other women a chance.

I salute Stephanie Lampkin for her trailblazing idea and am now one of her biggest cheerleaders! Kudos to you for your out of the box thinking and actions!

Read Stephanie Lampkin’s story below.

Stephanie Lampkin – Leveling the Playing Field

As the recent events in our beloved Country continue to bring awareness as to how we as humans are being treated, it is really time for us to Wake Up! Some of us want to continue in life as if we can avoid everything that is going on around us, and then there are those of us who are in the middle and have no choice but to face the insanity. You may believe that because some of the events are not directly impacting you (yet) that there is nothing for you to do. That is wrong, because the impact is coming toward us all. If you believe that continuing to live in a bubble will bring solitude, then go for it; however, you may be left standing alone. As Women, we are very strong and capable of bringing people together to stand for something in which we believe. Whether it is the situation in North Dakota, Flint Michigan’s Water Contamination, Women’s Rights, Black Lives Matter, LGBT Rights, Human Rights, Corporate Takeover, Health Care, ad infinitum, Wake Up and Stand Up for something. Find a cause or many, and get out there. You can make a difference. Do not say that “there is nothing I can do.” That is not true. There is much to do and we, Women have to be strong and lead the cause. This is the time to act, if not for yourself, do it for our future generations. History is repeating itself in a way that is negative for us all. We should not welcome this and let others know exactly what we are going to do.

Wake Up Women! Wake Up Everybody! Take a stand and act now.

Women are Empowered, Powerful, and Influential! Use your strength to be the change that we need right now!

Peace.

Grace Sowtrue

A Day without a Woman is scheduled for March 8, 2017. Are you planning to stand in Solidarity with All Women to demonstrate how significant we really are?  Here are a few points I can share with you based on my own experience:

• I have never been paid as much as a male counterpart, even though my experience and education exceeded his.
• There are Women like me who experience the same.
• A male with a family is offered a salary greater than his female equivalent who also has a family.
• Men are offered positions that a Woman is not.
• Women are often asked to train men in a role, but are not offered the position.
• Men make sexist remarks about Women in the workplace.
• Women who are attractive to men in the workplace may receive a promotion more often than those who are not.

My list can go on, however, I am sure you can identify with some if not all of it. There are also other contributing factors attributing to this list, such as age, race, class, religion, ad infinitum. This movement may or may not make the necessary changes, because of course, the policies and governing laws are structured so they do not break through to reveal the obvious discrimination. It is often difficult to prove and takes so much effort and time that it can wear you down; it is designed that way. It is worth the effort to participate with All Women in being heard and voicing our strategy for Change. We will never know what can be done if we remain silent.

https://twitter.com/womensmarch

This is a time when we All have to bond, and stand together! No more sitting in the background. Take the day off and participate in activities that can make a difference for you and the Girls who will grow into Women. Be the Change you want to see. Do it for those who can’t right now and will right now.

https://twitter.com/womensmarch

Women, Stand for Solidarity. This is happening all over the world. Be a part of something bigger than all of us!

Peace.

Grace ~ The RJ Group

Women have been standing up for their rights for many, many years. Although there appears to be solidarity among All Women, there isn’t. All Women do not want the same thing. Believe it or not, some like being subservient to men; they have been conditioned that way. There is nothing wrong with that if that’s what you want. Most women want the choice of equality; some want it for themselves, and not for others. Those of us who want a chance to do and be all that we can, should unite and stand together for just that. We don’t. There are segregated lines dividing those who do want the same things, but they don’t want others to benefit from them. Think about it Sisters, we need to stick together as there is plenty to go around for everyone. The reason so many of us fail is that some Women relish on the fact that they were chosen, and others were not, nor will they be. Women have made and are still making leaps and bounds in the Workplace, in all professions, but there are still too few. The Glass Ceiling is still too low.

Confident Businesswomen 2003

I saw this video and thought to post it to help ignite a spark that will generate an AHA moment for you.

Try mentoring or helping a Woman who you see with potential. You don’t have to become best friends, just do it because you can. You can keep your title, property, and money, simply help another Woman because you and I know that someone helped you. Your help can be anonymous, if you believe something you have will be taken away. We have to stop hating, betraying, fighting, slaying, and shaming  other Women. Face it, men do a good enough job doing those things without the help of a Woman. Remember how you got where you are; sure it was hard work, but you did it. Please, stop pretending as if the breakthrough was made all on your own. Someone saw something in you and lowered the ceiling just a little. Now it is your turn to lower it for someone else. If you have helped Women with their careers, help some more. If you have to ask yourself whether you have helped someone, you probably have not. Do it for Women because we have a lot to offer and it is a shame to let great talent go to waste.

Peace.

Grace, The RJ Group