The Lily Letters

We need sisterhood now more than ever in a semester that looks different and can be very isolating. You deserve this reminder: You have value in this organization and the value you give to this organization is equal if not more! Dr. Christina Watlington, a licensed clinical psychologist, points out the benefits of sisterhood in this article. She defines sisterhood as, “ an emotional bond between women, not always related by blood. In a sisterhood, female friends tell the truth, honor each other, and love each other like sisters. And when you have this type of bond, there are a countless number of benefits.” She lists several of those benefits: “Sisterhood can have a calming effect. Female bonding helps to manage stress.” “A sisterhood helps us to live better. Studies have found that as women age, we are less likely to develop physical impairments and more likely to lead a joyful life when we have lots of friends.” “Sisterhood cures loneliness. Loneliness can increase blood pressure, s...

Sigma Alpha Omega as a sisterhood is unique from other sisterhoods in that it transcends wordly relationships.  We (alumnae, honorary, active, associate, inactive) sisters are connected to one another beyond time and space and our finite brainpower - we’re connected through Jesus!   I also think it is fitting that we are a group of women, and women are discovering our strength and power in today’s sociopolitical climate like no other generation before us.   Rather significantly, a phrase that has become a sort of anthem for women today is: “empowered women empower women.”  In order to make the most of our position as an organization of Christian women leaders, the National Board of Trustees began its February business meeting in corporate prayer with one another.  The trustees were encouraged to pray over one fellow board member, one sister of SAO (whether they be alumnae, active, or other), and one woman that may not be known to the group (even if...

“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?” Matthew 7:4 ESV This verse comes at the end of the famous Sermon on the Mount. To provide you with some more background knowledge to better understand the meaning and intention behind this verse, and how it applies to Christian leadership.  The Sermon on the Mount comes in the early days of Jesus’ ministry, and provides Christians with a guide to living life for God. The Sermon covers a variety of topics such as, prayer, religious law, fasting, salvation, and judging people. This is also where we are given the Beatitudes, God’s blessings to us, and the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus’ call to us is to hold ourselves to a higher standard than those around us. As a Christian, we are meant to be leaders in this world and act visibly different than society. In the first few verses of Matthew 7, Jesus outlines the importance of not judging others. Keeping in mind tha...