Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Just a Homemaker


When Kevin and I moved to a new town--new state!--as newlyweds, we were so glad to find a church pretty quickly. Little did we know that God had providentially placed us there so we would grow in that 'greenhouse' of sound teaching and loving Christian family.

This church surely had its problems and growing pains, but the vibrant Men's and Women's ministries were just what we needed. Friends. Christian friends, older and our age, who invested in us and taught us by their examples.
I think it was my first time attending the Ladies' Small Group Bible study that met weekly in the church basement, because I remember introducing myself. I was insecure because I was at home; not out 'working', and we didn't even have children at this point. (This was actually due more to the fact that we owned one car, and so working outside the home would have presented some transportation challenges.) Anyway, I told the other girls my name, where I was from, and how long Kevin and I had been married, which was about 18 months at that time. I sheepishly ended with, "And...I'm just a homemaker." I'll never forget their response: They all smiled and several said, "Just a homemaker?! We're homemakers, too, and we love it!"

These women continued over the following months and years to show by words and actions that they really did love their homes, and that they believed caring for one's husband, children and home was truly a high and holy calling.
The memory of those women is still sweet to me because they were my first friends, really, to exalt motherhood and homemaking as legitimate and vital. There is a movement in the church today to embrace 'feminism-lite' and devalue the God-given role of women. I've been reading a great book lately that deals some with this subject, so it's been on my mind. I'll tell you about it when I'm finished. Here's a quote I saw in my current read, as well as Feminine Appeal.

Much of the world would agree that being a housekeeper is acceptable as long as you are not caring for your own home; treating men with attentive devotion would also be right as long as the man is the boss in the office and not your husband; caring for children would even be deemed heroic service for which presidential awards could be given as long as the children are someone else's and not your own. --Dorothy Patterson

5 comments:

Anne said...

I'm so glad that God has made it possible for me to be a homemaker. It's been a huge blessing to me to be able to stay home with my children. Now if I could only improve on the "home" part (ie. keeping my house in order and some sense of cleanliness instead of waiting until company comes!), it would be perfect. :)

Jenia said...

Great post Candice! Working outside the home does not even compare to the joy (and yes, even frustrations) that come from being at home with my children! It is such a blessing and it so nice to be surrounded by other wonderful homemakers as well that are such an example and encouragement! I know it is my calling for sure!

Liz said...

I am so grateful that God allowed me the years of being at home with my children! And I'm thrilled that He's taken care of the little details these past few years since I've begun working again, making sure that my job has always worked within the confines of the hours my kids are in school so as to not miss any time at home when they are here. I am blessed!

Anonymous said...

I remember that first Bible Study together....although I don't remember the conversation you mentioned, I remember when you said you were expecting your first! :) Good quote...somehow our society thinks it more admirable if you do MORE (especially if that includes making $), not necessarily do WELL, with what you have. There is so much to learn as a wife and mom! Never a dull moment. :)-Dana

Candice said...

So true, Dana! Some days you *wish* for a dull moment! Miss you guys already. Still waiting for that blog address... :)