Friday, March 27, 2009

Picture of Today's Homemaker

In today's home post, I want to take the challenge Kelly posted earlier this week:

I want to challenge you to paint your own picture of the modern day homemaker (if you have a blog, start there; if not, start talking!) Our culture needs the true message--not a concocted one that props up a flimsy agenda, but a living, real message that tells women it is GOOD and NOBLE to devote their lives to strengthening their homes, communities and nations. That a home neglected is a weak home; and a weak home gives way to a weak neighborhood; and a weak neighborhood can only be a crumbling foundation for a nation. (Read entire post here.)

My picture of the modern day homemaker would be largely a portrait of myself because that is, of course, the image I live with each day! That is not to say that it is a good picture or even an typical picture (are there any typical homemakers? or any typical non-homemakers for that matter?), but a real-life picture, nonetheless.

The feminist movement would say I am slave to a man. I know that I have a beautiful, Godly love relationship with the most important human being to me on this earth. He demands nothing of me. Anything I do for him is loving service which is totally voluntary and reciprocated by him.

The feminist movement would say I am encumbered by child care. I know that I have the blessed privilege to carry, to bear, to enjoy, to teach, to train, and to love the unique blessings God has given to me.

The feminist movement would say I am stifled in the four walls of my home. I know that I have more freedom than any woman reporting to a boss and chained to a desk. I give my time to those I love, report to my Heavenly Father and a husband who loves me and have the freedom to go when and where I wish.

The feminist movement would say I am lazy. I know that the value of work is not defined by the amount of money received for it. Neither is it measured by the amount of time put into it (if it were I would definitely have any full-time employee beat!). The value of any work is measured by whether it brings glory to God and whether it has eternal benefits and sufficient return for the time invested.

The feminist movement would say I have no vision for the future. I know that my children's eternal destiny is largely dependent upon the training they receive at my hand and that of my husband.

The feminist movement would say my days are unimaginative. The feminist movement has never lived with a precocious first grader, an active three-year-old and a delightful baby.

The feminist movement would say I am unfulfilled. I know that my best talents, though they be few and small, are exercised every day within the scope of my home and motherhood. I know that I am, without hypocrisy, completely content and satisfied with the calling the Lord has given me.

I am a real woman with real struggles.I laugh. I cry. I don't pretend that everything is wonderful, but I can't deny the work of God in my life. I allow God to work in your life as well even if you are not a full-time homemaker like me. What's your picture?

Go ahead and add your "picture" in the comments or put a link back to your blog post about it. I'd love to read it!

8 comments:

  1. What a lovely post! I know these feminist feelings all too well from growing up in an unsaved family and doing the American woman "thing" and going to college and never wanting to get married, but my life is much different now. It's easy to feel that my engineering degree is being "wasted" and that our family's financial difficulties could so easily be removed by me placing my daughter in daycare and going to work. But we've choosen to trust God through these times and to look for His provisions by following what we believe to be His will. It's not easy, but I know it'll have it's rewards! Thanks for the encouragement!

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  2. I love your comparison - couldn't have put it better myself!

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  3. Thank you, ladies! I appreciate the encouragement from some that are like-minded out there. I've certainly been hearing from the other side, too! :-)

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  4. I love that post. That is all so true. I work with a feminist. She never had kids. She is the same age as me. We have gone round and round on that subject. It is so well said. I want to print it off and let her read it, if you don;t mind.

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  5. Nope that's fine. I'll warn you--it will probably just invite more argument, right Sarah? ;-)

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  6. Thank you so much for being honest! I am new to this season of life, but so thankful and you described it perfectly! I'm really enjoying your blog as a new reader!

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  7. Thanks for the kind words. What season are you new to--being a full-time homemaker? I'd love to hear about it.

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  8. I am new to your blog. I found it through the Money Saving Mom blog. I have been a stay-at-home mom for 6 years now. I am the wife of a wonderful man and the mom to 3 boys under age 6. I left my teaching career and often wonder what it would be like to go back to dual incomes. I am encouraged by your blog. Thank you for reminding me that this is a noble calling. Somedays I have to remind myself that this is what God called women to do. I am not insulted to be a "home-maker". It is a tough job but the rewards are wonderful.

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