Feminism and Mothers

Is anyone else sick that I keep taking super long hiatuses from blogging? And then return with cookies in hand, heartfelt apologies and promises to do better? Maybe not the part about cookies. Anyone? Didn't think so.

So here I am, once again, a computer screen and a key board my only obstacles from pouring this impenetrable fog of thought into black and white sense.

I'm having a serious problem with confidence lately. Ok, that's not the only thing I am having a problem with (hence the restraints), but who asked the guys in the white lab coats?

The issue is that I just don't seem to think what I have to say is important anymore. Like its not relevant. Part of this is due to my sudden removal from the work force (thank you to my darling and loving husband). I thought that since I had all this time on my hands, I might find myself able to write more frequently and in longer blocks. No such luck. I find myself doing more housewifely things....like cooking. And cleaning. Did I mention cooking? Seriously, the smells coming out of the kitchen have driven the neighbors near to delirium with salivation.

Clearly I am not here to describe exactly why I am not blogging lately. You wouldn't be reading this if that where the case. This blog post would never even get written.

Hence, today's topic of choice on my mind:

Housewife. Stay-at-home-Mom. In today's feminist society, these terms are subject to much disdain and derision. Most women sneer at them. Men avoid them at all costs when seeking Miss Right so as not to give the impression of old fashioned ideals.

But honestly. What is wrong with these terms? How are they any more derisive then Professional? Or, say, Masters Degree? Or Business Owner? Why are they so frowned upon, when these other terms are smiled upon, even applauded and cheered?

Ladies, I'd like to encourage you, as well as my gentlemen readers. Careers are important, and I believe that women should have the opportunity to pursue said careers and the education that comes before hand. But ladies, not at the expense of your children and families.

See, readers, I used to have the same feminist ideals that subsist in today's society. For in my mind, what was a person with out a degree, or something to show for all those years of hard work and labor? But I since have been reformed. And trust me, that was not an easy task, for I fought it like wild cat about to lose its latest prey. Seriously, you should have seen the scratch marks.

So, let me ask you this: What is a feminist? A person who seeks to continually advance the position and standing of the female race. Then, what, I as you, is more feminine or female then making children? And what is more womanly then holding that child in your arms? So, now I ask, why would you put that same child in someone else's arms, forsaking your child to advance a career selfishly if you need not to?

No, do not misunderstand me. Some women have to work. Some family's survival hinges on the income she brings in. Some women are single mothers, providing for their children. And if you are one of those ladies reading this, I applaud you. It is not easy being in those situations, and it shows the adaptability of women to be able to do it.

I'm talking about the women who don't need it. The ones who have prescribed to this idea that women have to be in the work force to make something of themselves. That they have to be preparing continually for a future that their husbands can not provide for them. This is wrong.

Ladies, do you not know that your highest calling in this life is not to have a career. It is not to drive the right car and make that paper and take care of yourself financially. It is to be there for your children. It is to be the nurturer and the loving, calming presence in your household, as the Holy Spirit is to us. This is the highest calling of any woman.

Now, should women pursue careers and jobs outside of the house? If you must, then we are called to do everything as unto the Lord. But there is not a thing wrong with being a Housewife and a Stay-at-Home-Mom. There is nothing wrong with letting someone else take care of you financial. There is nothing wrong with taking care of the family and the house. Life does not end when children come. Women are not forced into the house and are never aloud to leave. There is life after work.

So, gentlemen, encourage your girlfriends and wives. Let them pursue those dreams. Encourage them to go to school and get those careers. But don't be afraid to tell them that it is ok if they don't work for the rest of their lives. Encourage us to find someone to take of us, so that we, in turn, can take of you.

Ladies, do not be afraid to go against the grain. Yeah, sure, be high-powered attorneys and judges and business owners and politicians. But don't look down on your sisters who have chosen a different path. There is no shame in it.

Now, I leave you with this quote: "If you bungle raising you children, I don't think whatever else you do matters very much." Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

Sincerely,

The Wondering Mind.