A few years ago, I created a sisterhood pledge to inspire other women to begin cultivating more meaningful bonds with their sister friends. I see the long-lasting benefits that these friendships have had in my life, and I want every woman I know and meet to do the same.
“I got you.”
“I’m praying for you.”
“I see you.”
“I hear you.”
“You got this.”
“You are loved.”
“I sent you flowers.”
These are just a few examples of the messages I have been blessed to receive from some of my sister friends in recent days. You see, I don’t have just “regular” friends. I have sister friends. Over the course of my life, I have been incredibly blessed to meet some of the most kind, supportive, God-fearing, and loving women. I have identified these souls as precious gifts from God and have been intentional about cultivating deep and meaningful relationships with each of them. I treat each relationship as if it is a beautiful garden that requires sunlight, water, pruning, time, and dedication. In my line of work, I give so much of myself, and it is crucial that I surround myself with people who can pour into me and restore the virtue that I pour into others daily. I am so grateful that I have crossed paths with women who do just that; I call these women my sister friends.
I prioritize pouring into my sister friends because of the way they lovingly pour into me. We travel together. We laugh and cry together. We share with one another. We support each other’s business endeavors. We radiate and reciprocate love and positivity which fosters a mutually beneficial exchange that nourishes us all. God knew what he was doing when he sent each woman who is part of my sister circle. I think of my dear sister friend, Kim, whose infectious laughter feels like pure joy; it also reminds me to laugh when I feel like crying. Being around her brings pure joy.
I am so thankful for my first and lifelong best friend, my sister, Denise, who is always a listening ear when I need it the most. Her loving and non-judgmental support has carried me through some of my darkest days.
I am so blessed that my blood sister is truly a friend to me. I am reminded of my sister friend, Roni, who has overcome great adversity and is such a kind and loving soul. She never fails to show up for me with a prayer, a hug, or a kind word.
I could name countless women who have shown up and supported me. Each one represents a beautiful flower in the friendship garden of my life. My sister friends remind me of my worth when the ups and downs of life cause me to momentarily forget. They fix my crown privately and lovingly when it needs adjusting. They speak life into me when I need it most; both when in my presence and when they are not. They are quick to defend me when others attempt to harm or defame me. My sister friends uplift and pray for me and send me scriptures to remind me of God’s promises for my life. I know that I can always count on them for much needed support, affirmation, and love.
Sis, your circle matters. Who are the people that you call friend or sister friend? Can you count on them to be there for you through thick and thin? I encourage you to take the sisterhood pledge by reading these words out loud and then sharing them with your circle.
I will pray for you and not prey on you.
I will not be the cause of your tears.
I will not interfere in your marriage.
I will not assassinate your character.
I will not be the straw that breaks your back.
I will confront you in love rather than destroy you behind your back.
I will forgive you quickly and, in some instances, love you from a distance to protect my peace.
I will support your business.
I will pay you for your services and stop trying to barter on every transaction.
I will love you through your pain.
I will not steal your ideas and make them my own.
I will keep your secrets and not share them disguised as a prayer request.
I will treat you fairly in all business dealings.
I will pay my invoices to you on time.
I will not expect the “hook up” for your services.
Leave a Comment
Danette Brown says
This article brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful story about sisterhood and the love, support it brings to our lives. Thank you Dr. Cheryl for being a part of my sister friend! 🦋❤️
Sylvia Cromwell says
Just read your article about having a sisterhood circle and realize I too have sister friends who have been there all along my life’s journey I will convey to them how precious and grateful I am for them being in my life thank you Ms. Cheryl for inspiring me
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank YOU sister! So blessed and thankful to know you.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
I am so glad this article moved you. Our sisterhood moves ME. Love you!
Tiffany Mayfield says
Thank you for this very inspiring read! I take the sister pledge.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Love to hear it, Tiffany! I am grateful for you.
Kaldejia says
Great read and inspiration to form a sister circle reflective of the love and care I so freely give to others.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! God Bless!
Maria Flowers says
This article is so beautiful. Sisterhood is so amazing. When women are together on one accord strength, healing, and peace are present. Thank you for sharing this ode to sisterhood and friendship.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank you so much, Dr. Flowers. I am grateful for you!
Beverly says
Praying for a sister friend lost my best friend now Lan praying for a sister friend
Loved the message and comments God bless you all
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Sending love & prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
JANE BOWDEN says
I love this unity.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment, Jane. God Bless!
Yvette says
I love the idea of this kind of a sisterhood unity, however the say this out loud prayer seems a little odd in the choice of wording,seems like the words are personal things that have been done to someone, nonetheless I can create my own sister loving prayer. Thank you so much for sharing!
Dr. Madge Barnes says
Cheryl’s article is so timely at this era of disunity in not only our country but the world. Genuine sisterhood is great. God’s love is the foundation. Excellent!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment Dr. Barnes. I am grateful for you.
Carolyn Hayden-Garner says
Thanks for this article! I shared it with my circle and also re-read it to make sure that the article is one that I want to be reminded to pattern my thoughts and actions by!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
I am so glad that you enjoyed the article and shared with your circle. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Regina Robinson says
Cheryl, you truly embody every word in this pledge! Thank you for creating a space that allows women all around the world to grow and glow 🦋🩷! I love you, Sis🦋
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
I love you too. So grateful and blessed to know you!
Denise Polote-Kelly says
I will always be your sister & friend. Your confidant, listening ear, whatever whenever.
Lifetime of love. This is a beautiful real sisterhood. I love the ladies that love you.
I love you Cheryl and this tribute is beautifully written.
Michelle says
Wow! This pledge needs to be the motto for all women. We need to stand strong and TOGETHER, especially in times like these. Cheryl you are truly a one-of-a-kind soul-rooted. loving, caring, and selfless sister friend. I can give a testimony to the world of sisters out there that YOU are the ICON of a real sister and sister-friend. I love 💕 you dearly
-Dr. Michelle
Jo Hanna D Samuel says
As I sit here at my home in the beautiful Caribbean, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands🌴, I am overwhelmed with emotion. Cheryl, your heartfelt message is a powerful anthem for the kind of sisterhood that we as women should cherish, nurture, and authentically embody. It is a priority in my life to hold space for women in friendship and sisterhood. What I do know for sure is that I am responsible for the light I carry. Thank you, my sister friend, for sharing and creating space. When I see me in the photos, I am reminded that God will place me in the right circle of friends I am meant to be amongst. I take the sister pledge. Love and light to you always 💕🦋
Stevie swain says
Cheryl;
You are such a BLESSING to each of us and believe it or not it was you who taught some of us what true sisterhood and friendship is supposed to look and feel like.
This circle of sister friends is so special to me being an only child and always wanting to have siblings and a safe space. You my sister created it for me!!
Thank you for loving us unconditionally we love you just for being a gift to our lives.
I love you Sweetie ♥️
Adrian says
Sisterhood is a beautiful collaboration of women who love, respect, encourage and support each other unconditionally!! To have a circle of Sister friends is a to be Truly Blessed beyond measure!!! Thanks for providing this amazing pledge that we can use as often as possible to remind us of what it means to embrace our sisters and show genuine love for them! May God continue to keep and protect you on your life’s path.
Kimberly Morrison says
Sister Circles are more than just your Girls they are your lifeline. Thank you Cheryl for sharing you with us unconditionally.
Sonya Hall-Brown says
When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all he has done for me my soul cry’s out, hallelujah!! There are not enough words in the dictionary to express my gratitude. When my sister, my bestie, and my friend invited me to hear Cheryl speak in Columbia, SC. Little did I know that would change my life forever. To be an only child can sometimes be lonely. But God!!!! Cheryl, has instilled in us and so many others to be in a God-honoring friendship/sister circle. A friendship/sister circle that builds your sistah’s up. A friendship/sister circle that risks pride and comfort in order to love like Jesus. A friendship/sister circle that motivates your sister’s and brother’s. A friendship/sister circle that love on one another, share each other burdens and accomplishments. A sister who has taught us that if we change our mindset it will change our lives and world. A sister that has taught us when we serve and serve in excellence that kind of vulnerability brings rich rewards.
I am now whole and complete because of my Sistah’s!! love you Cheryl!!
Mervelle Sage Takura says
Keeping a supportive circle is always important in this journey we call life. I am so blessed to have mine.
Denise says
Know your crew as I was told when I first moved to philadelphia and I have met wonderful women that I my sister friends ! Love them .