In this episode, we continue our four part series on Sisterhood. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss what it looks like for women to form each other in community so that we can all live our dignity as daughters made in the image and likeness of God. We discuss milestone experiences in a woman's life and the necessity of journeying through these seasons with other women. We pray this week you would continue to become the sister God created you to be! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts!

Sister Miriam's one thing -  The Advent series Adore: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Mediation with Fr. John Burns from Ave Maria Press. Check out Fr. John Burn's video introduction to the Advent Series. 

Michelle's one thing - Shannon from Chews Life and my rosary bracelet

Heather's one thing - Debbie Herbeck of Be Love Revolution - @bloverevolution on instagram 

Other Books Mentioned - Essays on Woman (The Collected Works of Edith Stein) - Edith Stein

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. Which women walked you through milestone experiences in your life and how did that impact your experience of these seasons? Are there experiences you had to figure out on your own? 
3. How have times of isolation impacted the guidance and sisterhood you want to provide for women who may be a season behind you in life?
4. How have women friendships and relationships been modeled for you throughout life? 
5. Where is God inviting you to take initiative to cast a new vision of sisterhood?

Journal Questions:

1. Ask yourself, "Am I the kind of friend, am I the kind of sister that I would like in my life?" Take some time to reflect on your answer and why or why not? Ask the Lord to reveal where you need to grow to be a better sister.
2. Ask the Lord to reveal the beautiful things about women who are sisters alongside of us. If you can, reach out to say thank you in a specific way.
3. If you feel you are lacking this authentic sisterhood, take an inventory of where you are and what you are longing for. Ask yourself, "What can I do to move this one step forward in creating or finding sisterhood right now?"

Quotes to Ponder: "In all these areas a greater presence of women in society will prove most valuable, for it will help to manifest the contradictions present when society is organized solely according to the criteria of efficiency and productivity, and it will force systems to be redesigned in a way which favors the processes of humanization which mark the civilization of love." Pope Saint John Paul II, Letter to Women 

Scripture for Lectio Divina

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!  But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"

And Mary proclaimed: My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—  holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm ;He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.  He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,  just as he promised our ancestors.  Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. - Luke 1:39-56

This episode is sponsored by Ave Maria Press. 

"Through these uniquely beautiful reflections, you will encounter the quiet, safety, and rest of the hearts of Mary and Joseph, joining in their preparation for the birth of our Savior. You are warmly invited on the journey." - Sr. Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T.

Of all the seasons of the year, Advent offers us perhaps the clearest sense of adventure and journey. It is a season for resetting our horizon, reframing our movement toward fullness in Christ. And even though Advent is brief, it is filled with spiritual riches. Yet, because Advent falls during a busy time of year, we often rush over or even miss the treasures God places before us in the Church. In Adore: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Mediation, popular author and speaker Fr. John Burns and illustrator Valerie Delgado of Pax.Valerie will help you reclaim the sacred sense of longing and joyful hope at the heart of Advent  through reflections, art, prayers, and journaling, perfect for both individual and group use. Check out Fr. John Burn's video introduction to the Advent Series. Use code ADORE at avemariapress.com to receive FREE Standard Shipping on Adore. Expires 12.31.21 *Only available in the contiguous US.