Just a Sister Away: Understanding the Timeless Connection Between Women of Today and Women in the Bible

by Renita J. Weems

The "Essence" bestselling author of "Listening for God" reveals the timeless connection between today's women and their biblical sisters--and how to live a better life because of it.

Genres: Religion, Christianity, Spirituality, Womens, Nonfiction, Theology, Faith

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Renowned Hebrew Bible scholar, academic administrator, ordained minister, and womanist wisdom griot. Her work in biblical studies is frequently cited in feminist theology and womanist theology.

Reviews

[K M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful quote on the back:

"We are frequently just a sister away from our healing. We need a woman, a sister, who will see in our destitution a jagged image of what one day could be her own story. We need a sister who will respond with mercy."

Read this long ago with a reading group.

[Alyssa Foll · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book! I love the connections that Renita Weems draws between women of the Bible and women today, while giving special attention to the experiences of African-American women.
My favorite chapters were the ones on Hagar and Sarah, the daughter of Jepthah, and Elizabeth and Mary.
Truly, an inspiring collection of essays about women "sistering" each other in Scripture.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good, I put down my borrowed copy halfway through reading to order my very own copy. Renita J. Weems helps us reconsider the Bible through a womanist frame and looks at female relationships as a way for women to exercise spiritual practice. This is a rich, powerful, and accessible book. I feel both challenged and fed at once--definitely a must-read.

2.23 re-read: this was a book club choice, and I feel doubly glad to own this book. The chapter, "A Crying Shame" is the most poignant. But really, a holy fire burns in each of these chapters.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renita J. Weems’ book Just a Sister Away is a righteous challenge to women to heed God’s calling. She does this through telling her own story, weaving it in through retellings and assessments of biblical stories featuring women. I especially appreciated her story retellings with imagined details, more than her conjecturing. Some seemed like greater reaches than others (the Queen of Sheba chapter for example).

I also questioned the use of the questions at the end of each chapter. Granted, they are fantastic questions. But too many were phrased, “as a woman, how do you….?” This could have been better employed in a separate workbook, and helped the book relate better to a wider audience. Because men do need this message. And the book grew on me as it went along. The chapter on Jephthah’s daughter came highly recommended and did not disappoint.

A favorite quote: “We will continue to raise our daughters to stand up and to speak up for themselves. And we resolve to equip our sons to know how to love such women as equals and partners in God’s creation, women whom they will respect and want to be surrounded by because they demand to be heard rather than to be tolerated. We hope for sons confident and courageous enough to know that sometimes the best man for the job is a woman” (184). Mic drop.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting retelling of Bible stories from the perspectives of female characters , however minor. Though the author takes liberties with interpretation at times, it was refreshing to see women's stories told.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy entry into a reading female biblical relationships through a womanist lens. A bit dated (1988) but a good read!

[Deidra Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good. There was a bit of wandering repetition, but I didn’t mind it. Unfortunately, I read it while I listened to a similar book by Mary E. DeMuth, and I find myself forgetting which book had which insights. This book was a little weaker I think. I really enjoyed both books. I love the concept of a sisterhood sticking together.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a restorative quality to it. All too often women in the Bible are flat and one-dimensional. In this book, Weems restores there humanity and ours by breathing life into their complicated multi-dimensional lives.

[Sandi Dickenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always nice to rexamine well known stories with new insight. This author is a magnificent storyteller. It's not in the least bit "preachy". She honors a females character, turns them into flesh and blood sisters and made me feel a connection with them. Their stories are down to earth. I feel like I am living with them and understanding them as my sister.
I closed the book with a renewed sense of love for my family and the women of my world.

[Cynamazon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking but....

I enjoyed the perspective offered by the author but occasionally she wanders off into what seems to be fantasy land. The chapter on Lots wife is the most significant example. In this chapter Renita Weem added content that I was unable to find any reference to support. I found that distracting.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about some of the women from the bible and relationships with other women they were around.

[SANDRA HARRIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time reading this book. I love the comparison between today's women to the women of the bible. Every woman should read this book.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book. Very interesting stories about women on the Bible.

[Kayla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new perspective

This book helped to look at things from a new perspective and a great reminder of being sisters along our walk through life

[Dynette M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. The thought that went into this book evinces critical thinking and the ability to see both sides of a story. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t want nothing if I can’t have it all . 💕😇🙏🏘

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Cheryl Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is written by an ordained elder of the A.M.E. Church and a sister that has residency in Nashville, TN. It was refreshing to read about women of the Bible in such a profound manner. The author was able to point out the connection between today's women and our Biblical sisters. Moreover, the book caused me to reflect on some of the teachings/lessons that others have provided to me. I was able to focus also on some lessons that I have attempted to impart to others.

It has often been said that there is nothing new under the sun. Experiences, trials and concerns that affect us....affected them. They, like us, didn't look like what they went through. We are more alike than different. All in all, there is still work to do.....the soil has been tilled. Thank you Dr. Weems for helping us to better see ourselves.... And to accept the challenge of helping others to see the connection between ourselves and our Biblical sisters.

[Kim Gyorkos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book for a Lenten Bible study at church about three years ago, and I rarely use this phrase but I fell in love with this book. It covers not just the women that most people are familiar with, like Eve, Sarah, Ruth or Mary but others like Jephthah's daughter, Lot's wife, Vashti and the Daughters of Zelophehad. I would recommend this book to anybody, man or woman, looking for an in-depth look at women in the Bible.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed a fresh perspective on the relationships between women in the Bible and how we can apply them to modern female relationships. Sometimes, as a white woman, I found that her comments about understanding the story better as a black woman, were a bit offputting. I would rather that she stuck to woman of any race as a unit.

[Wilhelmina Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weems is an African American Old Testament scholar, but this book is for a general audience and is very readable. She uses women of the bible to stimulate thought about issues facing all women. Very enjoyable.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and inspirational stories that reflect the lives of the women in the Bible.

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate what my sisters bring to the table a little more. I am blessed with many good women in my life, this book puts it in a biblical perspective.

[Brenda Summerville]

Great Book!

[Keisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought provoking

[Alysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK! #period Sisterhood. Love. Understanding!!

[Covenant Presbyterian Springfield Ohio]

Call Number: 220.9 WEE (WS)

Available.