Just a Sister Away: A Womanist Vision of Women's Relationships in the Bible

This book was inspiration and educational. A different perspective of women in the Bible and how that perspective equates to life today. Thank you Mrs. Weems.

This is an excellent publication. I am using it to teach/facilitate a large adult women's Christian Education Class. The level of discussion that the reading and end of chapter questions generate is especially helpful. The teachings are being internalized and I expect that many of the women will move out of their comfort zones and look to volunteer at agencies that serve some women's needs. We will likely look at similar books by Dr. Weems and others in the future.

Author Renita J. Weems appeared to be playing the "Devil's Advocate" when she used familiar lessons from the Bible like Abraham and Sarah, Naomi and Ruth, Martha and Mary, Jephthah's Daughter and the Mourning Women and so on. But what is so awesome about "Just A Sister Away" is we were able to take a peek into the minds and hearts of the women who were not considered to be "chosen" of God and those who were placed in a predicament that was not of their doing, like Hagar. Weems gives readers an opportunity to walk in the shoes of women, like Hagar, who was first used by her owner Sarah and then thrown away once Sarah realized she made a mistake giving Hagar to her husband, Abraham. But what no one ever talks about is what Hagar was going through; she has been made to look like a home wrecker in the lessons we have heard over and over again, but we find in this lesson that in spite of the plans Sarah (Sarai) had, God still had a plan for Hagar and her son, Ishmael. "Just A Sister Away" reminds us that there is always more than one side of the story, and it is fascinating to read from the perspective of those whose voice is not really heard throughout the Bible just what may have been going through their minds and the emotions they experienced. Most importantly of all, we are reminded that God does indeed favor women. We can be found throughout the Word of God. Reviewed by Sharel E. Gordon-Love APOOO BookClub

The men often overshadowed the women of the Bible, but in JUST A SISTER AWAY: Understanding the Timeless Connection Between the Women of Today and Women in the Bible, author Renita J. Weems seeks to bring their stories forth through a new revelation. She delves beneath the surface information presented in the Bible to let readers see that these women, despite the roles they held, were women of valor and substance. Much has been written about their roles during biblical times, but as the author notes, not much is written about how they felt about themselves, their roles or each other. Ms. Weems modernizes some of these familiar, and some not so familiar, stories of women and how they treated other women to gauge how they really felt about themselves and their positions. There were thirteen stories in all, complete with lessons and analyses. In Chapter One is the familar and noteworthy story of Hagar and Sarah in "A Mistress, a Maid, and No Mercy." This reconstructed story tells of where Sarah sends her maid Hagar to her husband Abraham, showing the feelings of each woman as it relates to jealousy, faithfulness, low self-esteem and self worth. My favorite story of this book is the story of Martha and Mary in "My Sister's Keeper." In this chapter, Ms. Weems retells the story of the day that Jesus and his disciples come to visit in the home of Martha and Mary. Martha is busy preparing the meal while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus as the men are talking. What makes this story so unique is the way that Ms. Weems tells it by using the feelings and emotions of first Martha then Mary. And their feelings are demonstrated by the way they treat, or mistreat, each other. To say that I was amazed at some of Ms. Weems' interpretations is an understatement. I was in total awe of some and nodding my head in agreement in others as if I was actually present. She uses the stories of women in the Bible highlighting their failings, their struggles and their triumphs to show each of us how we can overcome adversity to obtain the blessings that have been promised to us and how we today still share the same struggles. A few of the stories were a little hard to grasp simply because of the sacred nature of them, but Ms. Weems' style of writing was one that didn't impose, but rather made you consider the possibility. JUST A SISTER AWAY is also structured like a workbook complete with deep, probing questions at the end of each chapter designed to challenge the reader to analyze their personal relationships with both women and men and apply some of the lessons taught. I enjoyed this inspirational and thought-provoking book and I encourage every woman to get a copy. Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

An excellent approach and personalization of women we have read about in the Holy Scriptures--but may have dared not think about beyond the verbatim of the written word. Yet, why not ? This is truly a work that must have warmed the very heart of God !

This wonderful collection of re-interpretations of the stories of women in the bible will inspire and delight Christians and non-christians, women, men, and children of all races and creeds. Weems explores relationships among women in the Bible underscoring the crucial roles that faith, friendship, and love provide for women experiencing crisis, loss, trauma, and oppression. This book really made me think about the way Biblical foremothers Mary, Martha, Esther, and others provide models of female strength and fortitude for modern women. This is especially true for those who, like I, have always felt left out of the male centered interpretations of the stories of the Bible we grew up with. This book would make a great gift for mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughter and for yourself. Read it and be inspired!