I'm writing this blog partly to vent, but mostly to encourage not only myself but other women out there. Lately...I've been receiving some very "interesting" comments regarding my status as a stay-at-home mom, wife and homeschooler. While I am open to any questions or comments that come in a positive light, I'm not so open to rudeness and overall ignorance. Since when did it become so "unacceptable" to be a wife and mother? Sometimes...I'm just perplexed and quite frankly hurt by people's comments. I've had several people comment that they felt "so sorry for me", because I stay-at-home with my children. They indicated that I must be missing out on so much the world has to offer and that surely I would rather have a "valuable career" than my role as a wife and mother. I have been told "I can't believe you are going to have 4 children...you are crazy!" Now...understandably...if these comments came from a unbeliever...I would completely understand their opinion. BUT...no...these are coming from fellow believers in Christ, so I'm completely shocked. I'm guessing somehow they have missed the Biblical passages that shed light on these matters. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not angry with these people...just confused by their thought process.
I love being a wife, mother and homeschooling my children. When I ever thought about being the above, I dreamed of being the best possible in those areas... according to Godly standards not worldly ones. So...why...I ask...do these roles seem so "unattractive", "undesirable" and "unwanted" among so many Christian women. I suppose I will never really know the full answer, but I am thankful that God has laid it on my heart to be a Godly woman, wife and mother.
The Wife of Noble Character
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. in her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it shows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Proverbs 31:10-31
The above scripture should challenge and encourage all women to be a Proverbs 31 woman of God. I know it challenges me and I'm thankful for each new day that God has given me. I love being a wife, mother and princess of a loving and amazing God....and I will shout it from the rooftops...I will not be ashamed...I will not let the rocks cry out for me!
3 comments:
Andrea...
Keep encouraged. As long as you know you are doing the right things, and your lifestyle is supported by God's Word, you need not worry about others questioning it. Greg and I have chosen to live a lifestyle that causes us to be different than even the majority of the "church world", and believe me, that gets criticism from Christians and non-Christians. Although it is tough, we have learned to overlook or ignore the snide remarks, funny looks, and sometimes hurtful insinuations. Sometimes those things come from the people whom you love the most. That makes it even more difficult. Knowing what is right for our families is something that is between us and God, and when we get beyond what others think or say, we are able to truly enjoy the benefits of the lifestyle He has asked of us. Godly womanhood is a beautiful thing. The Proverbs 31 woman is a shining example and is a noble goal for each of us. She is a provider for and a protector of her family. That is going to work out differently for each of us. I have seen extremes, with some saying a woman should never work outside the home, and then some who feel that their life is their own and they can throw the kids in daycare and work the years away. Then some who may be "stay-at-home" moms, but put the kids on the bus in the early a.m. and then greet them in the p.m., having lost all those hours to other influences. Honestly, I don't know how anyone could criticize someone who spends so much time with their children as you do. You genuinely give it everything you've got, and I totally respect you for that. Just don't be sidetracked and frustrated by what others say...it's not worth it. :)
p.s. I don't know if this is happening on FB or where, but I have been much happier since I unsubscribed the the social networking site. It becomes a place for people to rag on others way too much. I think when people are typing on a computer they forget that there are actually people on the other end who have feelings and emotions, as well. It becomes a free-for-all without taking into consideration the belief systems of others. Just my 2 cents.
Love ya~
Stephanie
Andrea,
Know as a young woman who is not married yet and does not have children I look up to you and other women (jenn, krys and mandy especially) who are stay at home moms and wives. I think you are so blessed and must be doing something right for God to make it so you are able to stay home and only have the income of one person. I work at a preschool that accepts children who are 2 yrs and potty trained through pre-k and is open from 7am-6pm. And I understand that alot of parents unfortunately are doing it alone without a partner but we also have a lot parents who don't work and don't pick their child up until 5:57pm and they are dropping their child off in the morning at 7am. They are the ones I want to ask, why did you have children in the first place?
Keep up the good work, and I hope I can the privledge to be a stay at home wife/mom like you are
Andrea...
Im your Mom!! Im telling you....PUT SOME WATER ON IT!!!! Who cares what those kindof people think anyway!??! I sure don't and you shouldn't either!! I agree with Stephanie...FB is a wide open forum where intelligence at its best and ignorance at its worst takes place!! That is why there are all of those extra buttons on there I suppose....hide...delete...block...you know the ones Im talking about!! I know what you are talking about and it isn't all happening on fb!! I say keep moving in the right direction...(whatever) that might be for you and your family!! You are doing a fantastic job...sometimes others just can't handle it!! If people are saying these things...then maybe they need to get a life!! Smile baby Smile....its really ok to be who you are an do what your doing!! You are a rare jewel...a diamond in the rough...and you "TRULY" are a full-time stay at home MOM!!! Any questions...give them my number...I believe I could set the record straight!!:))
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