After reading some interesting entries on the girl talk blog – I have a few food-for-thought questions for the handful of girls that actually read my blog.
Many Christian girls have a view of life where marriage is equated with the beginning of motherhood – you marry, and… the babies. Your life afte marriage is spent rearing and caring for children, at least until they move out. (And yes, I am generalizing here.)
In the Bible, Proverbs 31 describes what a “worthy woman” is to look like – a much different description than being a “baby factory.”
In the description, the woman is a craft maker, property manager, clothier, she cares for the needy… the list goes on.
My first question is: What does a modern ‘Proverbs 31’ woman look like? Do you all think that the purpose of life after marriage is by-and-large to have children, raise and care for them?
What about situations where the woman might have a better job, more income, etc – should there always be “stay at home moms,” or can “stay at home dads” substitute? (This could be challenging, depending on the man, I’m sure)
What about career – does your career end when you have kids? Does your career end when you get married? (I would think no to the latter)
I strongly believe that it’s the parents job to raise children, not nannies/daycare/school/teachers – how do you balance raising kids with work… or is a balance even possible? Afterall, raising kids and running a household is a full time job (or more than a full time job.)
Thoughts? Ideas? Opinions? Comment below.
I hate this question and these kinds of questions because there always seems to be an insinuation that there is only one way to do things.
It’s as if we are the borg and all have to conform to a single standard or way of thinking (yes I know, conformed to the image of Christ but I don’t think that means we are all going to be rabbis who live in Israel). If that is the case I see no reason why G-d would choose to make us all unique.
I believe that there are certain responsibilities women have after marriage – to their husbands, to their children, etc. But I think G-d also gave individual women different strengths and weaknesses because they have specific roles within the kingdom of G-d that they were created to fulfill. So, pray a lot, take some chances, and trust that even though you make plans, G-d orders your steps and will light the next step on the path and you will know where to put your foot. Live out the freedom in Christ you have been given, for crying out loud. I believe that’s what was so awesome about the Proverbs 31 woman. She had the brain for business and she used it to the glory of G-d and to the benefit of her family, but didn’t drop the ball on her husband or kids relationally.
*dismounts soapbox*
Oh man, balance.
I’ve been trying to find balance, but find myself juggling without end in sight.
The world we live in is so different.
So many new families don’t live near extended family. We have more stuff, and more things to occupy our time.
Sometimes I feel that these luxuries I have are more of a burden.
So many more thoughts on the subject, but I am way behind on my soccer emails and chores.