Sisters in the Gospel

Sisters

Also a Sister

In our church, everyone is addressed either as 'Brother' or 'Sister'.

It gives a fun, family feel to the congregation.

And to the whole 'attending church' scenario.

It was something I was raised with.

Women my Mom's age were Sisters.

Men were Brothers.

Life was simple.

Moving forward twenty years.

Still attending church.

Still addressing each other as either Brother or Sister.

But now, there was a new generation, calling me Sister.

I should point out, here, that when you work in the children's organization, or Primary, you instantly gain rock-star status if your class members meet you outside of church.

Hence, you can be wandering in the mall and a young voice will scream out, "Mom, look! It's Sister Tolley!"

And I do mean shout.

One day, I was shopping with my children, plus a few.

Because who wants to go shopping with just your parents and siblings?

A cry suddenly rattled the rafters of the local Safeway.

"Sister Tolley! I didn't know you shopped here, too! Look! Look! It's Sister Tolley!"

And then a chorus of "Hi, Sister Tolley!" "Sister Tolley, look what I'm wearing!" And the all-important, "Sister Tolley, look what I can do!"

It was adorable.

I oohed and aahed over their clothes and accomplishments and our two groups separated, intent once more on whatever it was that had originally brought us into the store.

One of the boys who had come along for the amazing experience of shopping with two parents and ten children turned to my son and whispered, loudly, "Wow! I didn't know your Mom was a nun!"

Okay. Not something you hear every day.

Or ever.