A godsister is a special relationship between two girls or women where one takes on a mentoring or caring role similar to an older sister. Here are some key things to know about god sisters:
Definition
A god sister is a close female friend or relative who provides guidance, support and love like a sister. It is an informal, chosen relationship and is not a legal or religious arrangement. The term originated in the African American community but can apply to any strong female friendship.
How it Works
There are no set rules for forming a god sister bond. Typically it involves:
- A younger girl or woman choosing an older female role model as her god sister.
- The god sister taking the younger girl under her wing and providing mentorship.
- The two developing a close sister-like relationship over time.
- The god sister offering guidance, advice and support as needed.
- Their friendship continuing into adulthood.
Types of God Sisters
There are a few common types of god sister relationships:
- Mentorship – An older, more experienced woman guiding a younger girl entering womanhood.
- Surrogate sister – When a woman takes on a sisterly role for a female friend who doesn’t have a biological sister.
- Faith-based – Two women brought together through religious worship or activities.
- Sorority sisters – Members of a college sorority who develop a lifelong bond.
- Community-based – Relationships formed through involvement in community groups or activism.
Comparison to Godparents
God sisters share some similarities with the tradition of godparents but there are key differences:
| God Sister | Godparent |
|---|---|
| Informal, chosen friendship | Formal role, spiritual obligation |
| Not a legal arrangement | Legal guardian if parents die (in some denominations) |
| Originates from African American culture | Tradition across many faiths |
Benefits
Some of the benefits of having a god sister include:
- Having a trusted confidant and listener
- Receiving wisdom from someone with more life experience
- Having a role model for womanhood
- Gaining practical advice and mentorship
- Feeling supported through major life changes
- Having someone to look up to
- Making a lifelong friend
Choosing a God Sister
Some tips for selecting a god sister:
- Look for a woman you admire and connect with
- Consider asking a relative, family friend, teacher, or mentor
- Make sure she is up for the commitment
- Pick someone with wisdom, patience and guidance to share
- Choose a god sister with shared interests and values
- Select someone who will be a positive influence
Fostering the Relationship
To develop a strong god sister bond:
- Meet or communicate regularly
- Open up and ask for advice when needed
- Respect her time and guidance
- Share interests and fun activities together
- Celebrate each other’s major milestones
- Check in as you enter new life stages
- Remain close even as life gets busy
Conclusion
A god sister provides the powerful gift of mentoring, support and friendship between women. Though not a formal arrangement, the god sister relationship can have immense value in offering guidance, confidence and growth for both the mentor and mentee. Nurturing this special bond can lead to an impactful lifelong connection.