Women We Are ...

On a Mission of Light and Love.

A Photo Essay of Women by P.K. McCary

Music by Anjali Naja

My friend and sister, Anjali Naja, has brought so much joy to my life with her songs. Her voice has always mesmerized me, bringing light and love to my heart. The first time I heard Women We Are, I knew this was a poignant reminder of all the reasons I enjoy being a woman, but also all the ways in which I am of value to the world. As a woman, my mission is to bring light and love to the world, to bring joy to the lives of others and listening when you need a friend. This photo essay captures the heart of pictures I have taken over the last two years. There are many more, but these photos bring to mind spiritual warriors of love, lifting up our world.
     These are my sisters. Some are known very well and others I have just met, but we are all on this mission of light and love. Listen to the words. Think of the women you know. Your mothers, your sisters--your friends. We can be the voices of fire for those who cannot speak and we can lift each other up. And, as your sister, I have a plan--a request, actually.
     Many of you know the work I have done with URI for more than 10 years--actually 13! Time flies when you're working hard. My greatest wish has always been to become less than one degree of separation from my sisters of the heart. I can't get you all together, but I have a close second to that. I'm asking that you do this. You can do it one time or you can do over time, but here's my request.
     The Request
     Make a date with 7 women, women that you don't know very well, but have met. These women should be from two faiths different than your own. Invite them over for coffee or even a meal. Take it slow or since I know some of you, boldly lead. In your invitation, ask them to come and just share some time with you.  Be intentional in your efforts to just meet. Now, I could offer a couple of models for you, but here's what I know of you--you will make it work. Women have always done this. On my travels this past week, I didn't use any other models than the ones my my mother, grandmothers and aunts taught me. It will not, I promise you, be too awkward because women care, women know. Of course, I am imagining that you will know these women, albeit vaguely. It is just that even though we know women of different cultures and faiths, we generally do not cross that invisible line. Cross it now. Make this effort for women everywhere.
     The Next Step
     Share the stories of these meetings. Send your stories to sisteriisister@thepeacehour.org. If you have pictures, all the better. Videos--I'd be ecstatic! But, it is your story to tell, so I'll take it in any form that it comes. You can also call me with any questions as well. I ask this of you for the simple reason that I care about us--as women, as nurturers as the second half of the world. Please don't delay. You can start the moment that you've read this blog. In addition, you can start by sending it out to our other sisters--as that degree of separation that ends needless separations for evermore.
     In peace--Your Sister of the Heart, P.K.