Rejoicing in our womenhood

Last weekend I attended the 2^nd SISTERHOOD weekend in Sydney. It is underpinned by the Disciples of Jesus –Canberra branch, and it was an amazing weekend. The focus being Rejoicing, Hope, Celebrate. Rejoicing in our womanhood, hoping in her humanity and celebrating her individuality. It was filled with talks, praise and worship, fellowship, confession, adoration and committment, and of course ending with Mass.
The first presenter for the Saturday was Sr Mary Madeline from the Dominician order of St Cecilia, here in Sydney. She spoke very eloquently on how we can live a life like Mary. She spoke on the virtues Mary needed to live the 'Yes' that God asked her. The hardship she would have endured and the trials she went through, in order to live her 'Yes'. Her first words where - 'Rejoice in the Lord always, surrender to his plan'. God needs our permission to work in us. She spoke about God being with us through all our difficulties.
I loved the way Sr Mary Madeline intertwined how Mary needed to Love those who did not love her Son, Mary was gentle and at peace in the way God provided for her. She was patient, in it being Gods 'timing not hers. In all this she was kind and good, looking beyond herself. Our Lady also had much Joy, just like we have much joy, we can be joyful in our hard times
How are we modelling Our Lady in our lives? Loving others, trusting in his provision, awaiting for his timing not ours, being other-centred and being true to our word. This all gives us tremendous freedom. This is a reflection, as I mediate on the role Our Lady has played in my life, particularly in this month of Mary.