Womanist Musings: Affirmation and Abundance in Sisterhood and Song
By CL Nash, PhD
Biblical narratives and modern pop culture alike offer significant examples of the power of women affirming each other's dignity and gifts. Rather than seeing one another as threats or competition, these stories reveal how mutuality and celebration can allow all to shine more brightly. This analysis will explore two such examples which transcend their temporal contexts to teach timeless lessons on the fruits of sisterhood rooted in joyful recognition of one another.
Lessons from Scripture: The Visitation
The famous encounter between Mary and Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56), known as "The Visitation," offers a counter-narrative to the notion that "a prophet is not without honor except in his own hometown" (Luke 4:44). In this infancy story, Mary returns to her own hometown, where her relative Elizabeth affirms rather than derides her controversial pregnancy.
One can imagine Elizabeth scolding her young cousin, dismissing Mary's miraculous news or feeling threatened in her own late-in-life pregnancy. Yet instead, Elizabeth celebrates Mary, exclaiming when she hears Mary's voice, “As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy” (Luke 1:44). This scene models a sisterhood where personal joy overflows into recognition and validation of the other.
Lessons from Song: Sharing the Stage
A more contemporary illustration of supportive sisterhood appears in a viral video of singers Whitney Houston and Kelly Price. Though instructed, during rehearsal, that Price should not outshine Houston, there was a problem with that instruction. It was without Houston's knowledge or consent. Once aware that Price was making herself "small" so as not to outshine her, Houston took swift action. (See the video below.)
As feminist theologian Serene Jones reflects, “The ability to affirm another by making space for her, allowing her to ‘shine’...is portrayed here as an act of generosity...” (Jones, 2022). Such acts of generosity and solidarity, chooses recognition over rivalry, community over individual glory.
Themes of Mutuality in Womanist Thought
Womanist theologians further develop themes of mutuality and shared dignity in their work. Drawing on the wisdom of Black women's experience, scholar Emilie M. Townes rejects paradigms of scarcity that posit limited goods or platforms: “In womanist thought, we cling to the hope that there is enough for all” (Townes, 2011).
Likewise, philosopher Angela Sims challenges women to move beyond envy and competition as primary relational postures: “We must learn to appreciate the success of other black women. We must learn that there is plenty of love, plenty of encouragement, and plenty of opportunity to go around” (Sims, 2006).
These womanist perspectives align with the biblical and musical narratives above in privileging communal abundance over individual lack.
African Women Echo Songs of Solidarity
The chorus of mutual support resounds even more broadly, as seen in the work of African women theologians. Reflecting on Jesus's ministry, theologian Isabel Apawo Phiri highlights his investment in affirming women’s dignity and full participation in their communities (Phiri, 2002).
Likewise, when asked about the challenges facing African women, Kenyan theologian Esther Mombo offered a vision grounded in solidarity: “We empower each other. The victory of one is the victory of all” (Mombo, 2022).
Conclusion
Too often, women are pitted against each other, taught to view themselves through comparisons rather than shared dignity. Yet the communion of Mary and Elizabeth, and the duet of Houston and Price, point toward an ancient song of mutuality waiting to be sung.
As theologian M. Shawn Copeland writes, “In Christian community, we are called to stand with and stand for the other, to share food and drink, gifts and talents” (Copeland, 2010). May we answer this call to stand together, letting our lights reflect rather than refract each other into greater brilliance.
References
Copeland, M. Shawn. 2010. “To Stand with and Stand for the Other.” In Enfleshing Freedom: Body, Race, and Being, 120-141. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.
Jones, Serene. 2022. Lecture presented at Union Theological Seminary, March 3.
Mombo, Esther. 2022. “A Kenyan Woman Theologian Has Walked a Long Road.” Interview by Vivienne Angeles. International Bulletin of Mission Research 46 (2): 88–90.
Phiri, Isabel Apawo. 2002. “Jesus as Teacher, Healer and Liberator? Taking a Closer Look at the Historical Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” Journal of Theology for Southern Africa 114 (November): 28–50.
Sims, Angela D. 2006. “Self-Value and Intraracial Othermothering.” The Western Journal of Black Studies 30 (1): 7–13.
Townes, Emilie M. 2011. Womanist Ethics and the Cultural Production of Evil. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.