Since I joined Rainbow at the age of 11, I have heard about the terror of our "competitor" the Jobs Daughters. So, because it was all I knew, I grew up hating them. I was taught that we were the better organization, and they thought they were the better organization. I was taught that when they were at an event, we sat on the other side of the room. I was taught that when they talked, we rolled our eyes. They were promiscuous, rude and fake, so we were to not associate ourselves with them. But, this is how the Jobies were taught to view us as well. Words and rumors spread about one another and names such as "Rain-hoe" and "Hoe-bie" were called.
But why?
None of this is true, and in all honesty, I could have easily been a Jobs Daughter if there were a bethel in my area.
Rainbow girls and Jobs Daughters should be treated as sisters, instead of the ugly step sisters that we hate. The Masonic family is supposed to be full of love and support, not hatred and jealousy. Sadly, I did not fully realize this until a couple days ago.
I believe that one cannot function without the other. Instead of pushing away each other, we should embrace both organizations. This cannot happen, though, until we realize that we are the same:
We both understand what it's like to attempt to explain what our organization is and what it's like when someone says "So basically, you're in a cult."
We both have had "WTF did I just go through", moment after our initiation.
We understand the eye rolls from our friends that we get when they hear "Sorry, I have Rainbow." Or "Sorry, I have Jobies."
Our closets are both full of a mountain of formals.
We have both been annoyed with our dress codes.
Once we both come to this realization, we both have the comfort knowing that we have a whole other organization of sisters to fall back on.
I am a full-time Jobie-loving Rainbow Girl. I love what their organization stands for and the amazing young women who are a part of it. These are some of the most caring and compassionate girls I have ever met. Ones who, after only truly knowing them for a weekend will run to your side when they see you're upset. They are ones who will laugh with you when you make a joke and at you when you do something stupid... Like eating popcorn off the floor with your mouth. They will stand with you through thick and thin, take goofy pictures with you and even help to create an inside joke or two with you. This type sisterly-connection is so different than the ones we create with our own organizations because it is a relationship created by knowledge, understanding and love. this is not a connection you can get unless you put in an effort to break down each other's stereotypes.
The next time you see me get a little overly excited when I hear that the Job's Daughters will be with us at an event, know that it's not just because it gives me an opportunity to steal the Miss WA Crown; but because I truly love the organization and strive to create further relationships with both the girl and adults because they rock as much as we do.
