What "Skirting" is all About

The story of women traveling from east to west back in the early days of our country totally captivated me. Taking that journey was only for the adventurous and brave of heart. There were many unknowns and many dangers. You can imagine the beginning of the journey being the most exciting but scary thing you’d ever encountered. You are all packed, kids are beyond excited but in the wagon, men are making sure horses and all the other details they are responsible for are in order. You say your goodbyes, teary and sad, but underneath is an excitement that makes it bearable. You head out of town and the chatter is filled with what is to come, what lies ahead. After a long day of riding and pushing as far as you could go during daylight, you set up camp and eat dinner, your first meal ‘on the road’. The next day everyone is up early with great anticipation for what that day might hold.. Breakfast is fixed, eaten and cleaned up. Everything is packed back into the wagon and everyone eagerly starts out on day two. That day goes by with the same talk of where you will be going, what you will do once you arrive. The same things are done as you did yesterday – your new routine: riding, walking, stopping to eat and rest. Several days of this go by, the same routine, the same riding or walking, the same conversation…. only a bit less of the excitement as the tedium sets in and the kids begin to get bored with nothing to do but walk alongside or ride in the wagon. Soon, you realize the challenge of daily bathroom needs, that which ‘takes a little bit of time’. So, you find a woman in the next wagon and ask her to take a walk with you. You ask her if she would keep watch for you so you can have complete privacy. She is in the same situation, so she is more than agreeable to help out, and appreciates you doing the same for her. When you get back to camp some of the women ask where you’ve been. You both explain and they wonder at why they weren’t asked. So the next time there is a ‘need’ you have several women to ask. After awhile, you are making it a point to go as a group. Then it becomes a time of talking to cover for each other. With several of you, you begin to stand in a circle facing outward around one woman, holding long skirts out to form a protective barrier. These times become more than just taking care of physical needs. It becomes a time for women to talk about their kids, their husbands, this long journey they are on together. Bonding happens. They are in the same situation, facing the same issues, the same obstacles and dangers, the same surroundings. I couldn’t help but connect it with what we as women face today. Whether we are single or married, with or without children, we face issues and struggles common to all women. We need each other. This culture tends to foster individuality and many of us have missed out on the blessing of other womens’ company and companionship. How helpful would it be if you had another woman or a circle of women who would be available at a moments notice if they knew you had a ‘personal need’? Women who would circle around and provide cover and protection for you when you need it the most? Or, women brave enough to tell us what we really need to hear along with sound and godly advice, encouragement, and support….women willing to go through the nitty-gritty of life with us without judging or ostracizing. That is what this blog is all about: talking about the issues we face, whether they are comfortable or not; being honest with each other; instead of “circling the wagons,” we are going to “circle our skirts” and do this together!