Change

 

I am in a certain stage of my life as a woman in her late forties. I am a Gen-Xer; I smirk, but also reminisce when I see something deemed retro from the 80s and 90s. Today, I received my first mammogram, something that will become more routine because that is part of life as a woman who is “midlife.” Despite the discomfort, I want to know my body. I will soon face what some have dubbed The Change. The moniker for menopause seems a bit much in my mind: isn’t that life, change?

 

King Solomon’s words come to mind: “There is a time for everything, and as season for every activity under the heavens.” I love that his timeless words became the hit song “Turn, Turn, Turn,” in the early sixties. I see the same wisdom in Medicine Wheel teachings. We are always changing.

 

Sister Triangle has been through many changes. When Marge Roberts, Marilyn Muller, and Mary Muirhead—the three M’s—as well as Loreen Husband and Lillian Torkelson, started Sister Triangle Magazine around 1981, they were looking for ways to connect and encourage themselves and other sisters in Christ. Sometimes distance made connecting more difficult and that much more urgent. Over the years young families grew. Their daughters, who became the fabric of Sister Triangle, also became creative women who worked, wrote, and encouraged others. Some daughters became wives and mothers in turn; some are now grandmothers too. Some daughters became our favourite aunties or the steadfast friends we call, email, or text when we need a listening ear, accountability, or someone to hold space for us. Technology also changed from the early Gestetner days, moving away from postage stamps to blog updates. Inevitably, Sister Triangle Retreat and Sister Triangle the Magazine changed. Her look changed. Her staff changed.

 

In 2020 throughout the world, we faced collective change. The global pandemic forced a sabbath of sorts. We took a break from meeting in groups. We took a break from activities. It was break that no one wanted. Rather than holiday get-togethers and birthday celebrations we had Zoom meetings. We even had a Zoom meeting for our beloved Retreat. But we got through that. In 2023, we hope the “time to refrain from embracing” has passed. And yet we are not the same. We have changed and so has Sister Triangle.

 

It feels like a privilege to grow older now. This past year we said goodbye to some dear sisters who died before they reached old age. I am grateful I get to have my mom with me. I see her needing to rest more. I see her taking slower, more careful steps. Mobility is a dear friend to the aging.

 

Sister Triangle is privileged to still be here and to be growing older. She too is a dear friend. You may have noticed that over the past couple of years, Sister Triangle Magazine had a sabbath. Magazine Staff took a rest—some returned, some retreated, and a few resigned. As we look ahead, we want to thank those staff members who have moved on from their Sister Triangle roles. Thank you Trinda Jocelyn, Sheena Koops, Jennifer Mooney, Marilyn Muller, Sara Pippus, Megan Pippus, and Katie Stamler. Thank you for the deep love, time, talents, and commitment you gave to Sister Triangle for so many years. Thank you also to Mary Muirhead, who remains as our advisor, mentor, and Elder. Although there have been changes in our circles, somethings remain the same.

 

We remain committed to our mission: Encouraging One Another in Love. We remain rooted in the prairies as a non-profit organization. We remain grounded in the One who does not change, Jesus Christ, who “is the same yesterday, and today and forever.”

 

Today, there are many places women can go for encouraging, uplifting words online. Thank you for reading with us. We are glad you are here to share in this newness and change.

 

We look forward to seeing and spending time with you in 2023. May we take these words from Joshua 1:9 with us as we face the new year: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 

Jennifer Wallace

Sister Triangle Editorial Board

 

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Join us at Sister Triangle’s Ladies Retreat, February 24-26, 2023. Hope Against Hope is our theme and we are thrilled to be welcoming Lisette Fraser and her daughter, Abbi, to lead our hearts that weekend. Register online at Retreat – Sister Triangle. Registration deadline is January 16, 2023.