Emily and the sisterhood bond

Susan Stoker brings us the story of struggling single mom Emily Grant and Delta Force soldier Cormac “Fletch” Fletcher.

Fletch feels an instant connection to Emily and her daughter, Annie. He offers to rent the room above his garage to them, and for a while, all is well until Emily is blackmailed by someone intent on doing harm.

In this story, Susan Stoker brings us face-to-face with the lengths a mother will do to ensure the safety and well-being of her child. Blackmailed into giving away her hard-earned money, Emily would rather go hungry than see her child starve.

Other people would see Emily’s actions as an act of cowardice. Why did she keep on paying the blackmailer? Why did she not tell Fletch? Why would she let herself get sick, knowing that someone was threatening her and her child?

Some would even go to the length of asking—why did Susan Stoker introduce such a weak character? Why did she create someone stupid enough to fold in the face of trouble?

And Annie, she is just a child, why did Susan Stoker portray her as too worldly?

I cannot, in all honesty, agree with those who would say that Emily was weak. She is not. Yes, most of us would have acted differently, given the same circumstance.

But, and I say this mildly:

In a perfect world, women are not considered the weaker race.
In a perfect world, all of us women know how to fight.
In a perfect world, women are accorded the same respect as men who demand respect.
In a perfect world, women are given the same opportunities as men.
In a perfect world, ALL women are allowed to speak up for themselves.

I have fought against tyranny and oppression. I have stood toe-to-toe against a pastor who believed me too opinionated, one who insisted that my place was a few paces behind a man; that I should do nothing but obey and do what I am told to do.

Fortunately, I was brought up to fight for what I believe and knew, was right. I survived, and I can stand proud and say I can slug someone without an ounce of remorse if push comes to shove. Or when boundaries are breached and those who want to hurt me do so through those I love.

People like Emily? We cannot honestly say they are weak for succumbing to pressure. I would say that they are by far stronger than some of us. Especially when there is a child involved. As a mother, a sister, an aunt, or simply a friend—should we just scoff when one of us needs our support our understanding and help, the most?

Or should we be aware enough to tell them to not be afraid to reach out? To tell them that they are not alone.