Sister Table Talk

In an unexpected corporate announcement, Party City declared the closure of its stores, leaving countless employees to face the shocking news that today would be their last day. The sudden upheaval is a stark reminder of how quickly life can shift, turning the familiar into the uncertain. But, when the rug feels pulled from under our feet, we must keep our eyes on the prize. The term keep your eye on the prize originates from the Civil Rights Movement, a rallying cry to stay focused on the ultimate goal despite challenges. Today, it resonates as a call to action for those grappling with Party City’s closure and the countless others who have experienced sudden life disruptions. Let’s explore how we can remain steadfast and turn these setbacks into opportunities for growth and transformation. Reframe the Narrative A job loss can feel devastating especially when done abruptly, but it can also be a moment to pause and reassess. Ask yourself the following: What skills have I gained in ...

In a world that constantly champions individuality and authenticity, why do so many women feel penalized for simply being themselves? Whether in the workplace, social circles, or even within our families, there’s a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) push to conform to preconceived notions, societal expectations, or outdated norms. This experience can feel particularly pronounced for women navigating spaces with invisible rulebooks dictating who women should be and how women should behave. But here’s the truth: Authenticity is not a flaw, an inconvenience, and certainly not something that should hold us back. The Double Bind of Authenticity One of the most frustrating aspects of being penalized for authenticity is the contradicting message from society (e.g., be yourself, lean in, and bring your whole self to every room you enter). When women act the way society suggests, they receive resistance. Self-confident women are labeled intimidating when they show assertiveness, unco...

Becoming the best version of yourself doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey of small, intentional steps. Whether starting over after a setback or striving to reach your next goal, remember that progress, not perfection, is the key. Here are three steps to guide your journey: Reflect and Reset: Take time to assess where you are and where you want to be. Growth begins with clarity, so write down your goals and identify what’s holding you back. Invest in Yourself: Education and training open doors. Whether you’re learning a new skill, refining your craft, or diving into professional development, every step forward builds your confidence and capacity. Explore SOFEIOnline for courses designed to help you unlock your potential. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Your environment matters. Build a network of positive, empowering individuals who uplift and inspire you. Connect with communities that share your mission and values.

IIn a world where women are judged for their choices, it is time to end an unnecessary critique: high-heeled shoes. Whether at the office, a night out, or a special event, heels have long been a fashion staple; however, there is a growing trend of women criticizing other women for wearing them, often based on their inability or choice not to. Your Shoes, Your Choice The decision to wear heels - or not - should be personal without judgment. But, women who wear them hear comments like, I could never wear heels all day , or I hope you brought flats because I know your feet will hurt by the end of the day. While these statements may seem harmless, they perpetuate a cycle of negativity that undermines personal choice and reinforces the notion of a right and wrong way to present ourselves. Women should not have to defend their footwear. Some women feel empowered wearing heels because they boost their confidence and enhance their outfits or style. Women who choose not to wear heels...

In times of disappointment like defeat, fear, illness, or joblessness, we may feel stuck and unable to move forward. However, the message from John 5:3-9 offers hope and guidance during challenging times. This passage talks about an impotent man of thirty-eight years who lay by the pool of Bethesda every day waiting to be placed in the pool to receive the same healing he watched others receive. Jesus saw the impotent man lying near the pool and asked, "Do you want to get well?" The helpless man replied, "When the water is troubled, I have no man to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth in before me." Then Jesus said, "Get up, pick up your mat and walk!" Immediately, he picked up his mat and walked. This passage is a powerful analogy when we feel trapped in a cycle of disappointment or circumstances that seem hard to conquer or rise above. Just as Jesus offered healing and a new beginning to the impotent man, we can also fin...

What we do in the dark shall come to light is a condensed, interpretative verse of Luke 12:2-3 . This verse explains how our deep, dark secrets or sins can rise to the surface despite our efforts to bury or keep them hidden. This blog post discusses the allegations, denial, and confessed abuse of Sean P. Diddy Combs against Cassandra 'Cassie' Ventura. In November 2023, Ms. Ventura settled a lawsuit against Mr. Combs for his alleged sex trafficking and sexual assault during their relationship; however, Mr. Combs vehemently denied the allegations, and his attorneys called the lawsuits and accusations as money grabs, baseless, or sickening . Surveillance footage obtained by CNN on May 17, 2023 , shows Mr. Combs's actions corroborating with Ms. Ventura's originally filed complaint - Mr. Combs chasing Ms. Ventura down the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, forcibly grabbing her by the back of her sweater, throwing her to the ground, and ...