I've been wanting to write about this book for a long time. A friend gave it to me to read when my daughter was a baby and I was in a lonely, needy place in my life. The lessons I learned from it about a woman's need for the companionship of other women may not have been part of the author's original intent for the book, but I think it is an invaluable thing for Christian women to think about, nonetheless. I blogged more about this recently at my personal blog.
The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant, is an adaptation and expansion of the Biblical story of the Rape of Dinah (in Genesis 34). Ms. Diamant has composed a deeply moving tale of romance with a theme of sisterhood running through it. While the historical accuracy might cause the more academic among you to shudder and look away, I imagine the truth and poignancy of the relationships and conversations will bring you back for a second look.
This book caused me to re-evaluate the role of fellowship in my Christian walk– to raise it's importance in my eyes. After all, Paul does tell us be careful of
"… forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but (rather) encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:25 (NAS)
And in particular, I think, women need other women. Titus talks a bit about the nurturing relationship that ought to exist between older and younger women.
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior….so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children…" Titus 2:3,4 (NAS)
This book shows in a gripping way some of what the women in our society today are missing out on in our relationships with other women. It's also a wonderfully written glimpse into the life of a fascinating, but seldom discussed woman of the Scripture.
What do you think? Do you ever feel the need for a large, more intimate support group of women around you? Do you subconsciously, or consciously miss the presence of a Sisterhood?
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photo credit: angela7dreams, via Flickr.
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I read this book when my first baby was months old and I was in a similar place in life as you. I got largely the same message from it and found myself yearning for deeper female friendships in my life. I believe such relationships are vital to a healthy Christian walk for purpose of accountability, encouragement, enrichment, support… there's a large part of vibrant, healthy, "life more fully" Christianliving that we don't get when we don't have a large safety net of fellow women and mothers to draw upon.
Hey Elisa. I LOVE this book. I read it several years ago. I have told many women about it. I am so glad you highlighted it, today. Great job!
You are so right, Jen. And I think that the surge of women– especially mothers– into the world of blogging and online friendships is an attempt to return to that safety net– albeit a virtual one. Isn't it great to have sites like this one to help us feel connected to other Christian women?
Thanks, Jen. Glad to find another fan of AD
I haven't read the book, but I totally agree with the premise. These godly female friendships are *hard* to come by, and with such a fast-paced, transient lifestyle these days, if you do happen to form one of these friendships, there's little chance of always living close to them. Husbands are amazing friends, but there's nothing like a sister. Mine are in Virginia, Georgia, and NC. *sniff* Miss you, Lis, Denise, Hosanna.
But again, I think the internet provides opportunities to return a little of what we've lost in our transient lifestyles. A sense of connectedness perhaps. Don't you think?