You’re Not Just a Mother; Embracing One of the Greatest Callings
Inside: Being a stay at home mom and homemaker is important. How do we forge ahead in a society that doesn’t value us as God does? A woman’s place is in the home isn’t a derogatory quote, but rather a quote of importance. In order to influence and affect generations to come, a woman needs to spend time in her home.
Today I’m sharing in a series at “Training Keepers of the Home with Stephanie Malcolm.” Her site is a wealth of information for homemakers. This is a lost art, but it’s an important job that has far-reaching effects.
I hope you’ll check out Stephanie’s site.
*Disclosure: Post may contain affiliate links. See our full disclosure here.
When I was in college, there was no doubt that when I graduated, I would join the workforce. When I became pregnant as a newly married senior in college, I didn’t even think I would take the normal 6-week maternity leave.
I was taught to believe smart women worked, and those who stayed home couldn’t wait to return to work when the kids went back to school.
Then, little Liv came and this delicious, chubby baby stole both my heart and my desire to be anything other than mommy and homemaker. As the days of returning to work came closer, my heart felt ripped apart.
I couldn’t return and for the last 16 ¾ years, I have stayed at home as a mom.
God’s Calling for Us as Mothers
As my littlest gets closer to school age, I’ve had numerous people ask me if I’m excited to return to work. When I say I’m not returning to work, these people look at me like I’ve grown an extra head.
Why has society turned being a mom and homemaker as something that’s bad?
In 2017, 70% of mothers with children under the age of 18 years old were in the workforce, with 75 % of these mothers working full time.
I get it; some women would love to stay at home, but they need to work for their families. Other women can’t stay home because their kids are better served being watched by someone else.
However, what about us who choose to be home? Why can’t society see the value in moms/wives choosing to stay at home whether their kids are at home or not?
The Calling of a Stay At Home Mom
Why should we be made to feel deprived or like a freak of nature?
If I’m honest, these years at home have been hard mentally. I’ve felt guilty for wasting a college degree and frustration at the lack of mental stimulation. I’ve had moments where writing out the words “homemaker or mother” have brought me shame and made me feel worthless.
As I look back, I feel embarrassed I have felt like this. When I look at what God says, I should be wearing these words as though they are a badge of honor.
Losing the Significance of Motherhood
Could the devil like to have us feel this way so we aren’t content with the calling God has for us?
Most people can say that family is the most important thing in the world, but yet, why doesn’t society put high esteem on moms and homemakers?
To read more about homemaking, follow me to Stephanie’s site.
I have the utmost respect for stay home mommies! There have been multiple times that I have wished I was able to stay home with my kids but that’s not the calling that God gave me. The breakdown of the family unit as a whole is so detrimental to our children. Lack of fathers in the home at all and more working moms is not helping matters. The farther away we get from God’s design the harder it is for our society.
Melissa- You know where God is calling you and no one can dismiss that! I’m so glad your hubby is staying at home with your kids! Sounds like you have a great setup.
Even though I’m not a mom yet, I totally get the feeling…almost like guilt. I stay at home and do freelance writing and editing, and it’s hard to explain to people. And then I get the comments of, “So where is this leading?” As if what I’m doing now is only acceptable if I’ll start making tons of money from it. But I know this is where God wants me, so I try to remember that!
Emily- I totally get what you’re saying! Where God leads us might not be understandable to others!
Years ago, mothering and staying at home was the most important – boy have things changed!
I worked outside the home during the first 17 years of my oldest’s life. Now I am home with my youngest. I am right where I should be. I often get discouraged by all the negativity sent my way, but I just have to remember that God values me as a person and has placed me back in the home.
Tami- There is no negativity sent your way from my post. I know some moms and wives need to work. God wants us to make sure we are meeting the needs of our family first. They will suffer if we’re stretched too thin!