BRINGING THE WHOLE FAMILY TOGETHER
Mother/Daughter Bridge of Peace Ceremony ends up uniting both guys and gals
After embracing in love, two ladies descend the steps of the Bridge of Peace.
On May 19, the Southern California chapter decided to use the Bridge of Peace Ceremony to bring together mothers and daughters. Unexpectedly, the ceremony also united mothers and sons, husbands and wives, and brothers and sisters.
The event was held in a beautiful garden where the original Bridge of Peace - used in uncountable sisterhood ceremonies in years past - was carefully built and decorated. Tables provided participants with space for sharing together and with chances for lessons in makeup, having their nails painted or purchasing our local young entrepreneurs' wares.
Chair Emma Reed (center), speaker Sheri Rueter (right) and others bask in the sun and fun of the day.
The Bridge of Peace Ceremony began with an introduction to WFWP given by Southern California Chairwoman Emma Reed. Then Sheri Rueter, former Chairwoman and one of the founding members of the local chapter, gave the keynote address.
Many guests were moved to tears as she described how this Bridge came into existence and how it has been used in the past.
"Thousands of pairs have crossed this very Bridge, seeking reconciliation and friendship with former enemy nations, and later with women of different races," she said.
When two women stand at opposite sides of the Bridge, they bow to each other in repentance for anything they may have done to cause pain to the other. They are then cheered by the remainder of the participants as they descend the stairs in the center of the Bridge.
After many mothers and daughters had come together in peace on the Bridge, the ceremony was spontaneously opened to husbands and wives, mothers and sons, and sisters and brothers, all of whom welcomed and embraced the same reconciliation.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer of gratitude and a delicious dinner. Of course, the report would be incomplete without mentioning that many generous donations from businesses and individuals provided for an exciting raffle at the end of dinner.