“She’s called “homemaker” for a reason…she isn’t someone who keeps the basics of house upkeep. She isn’t a maid; she doesn’t just attend to the logistics. She keeps a HOME and all of the aesthetic, comfort-giving, sanctuary-like properties involved. This is one reason I think that so many Americans are unhappy. They focus on the prestige, the money-making, the status. For their obsession to be “equal” with men (they are in value, but not the same), women have pressured and have been pressured into a worldly system that says they have no value outside the world’s perception. Women are afraid to admit that they love home because they are belittled for it. All women are intended to be helpers. Helpers aren’t “the scene” themselves, but the pillars of support for the structure. Our human pride revolts at this, but when this vision is understood in increasing sanctification, it is beautified. When I was a girl, I loved being home, but did not realize the value of it as I do today—increasingly. I used to watch my mama dart like a bee from one end of the house to the other, nourishing us physically, emotionally, spiritually. I always admired it, but never applied it to myself specifically. But now, thanks to God, there is nothing I love more. I am so content—-dare I say, giddy?—over my divinely-intended role. I find myself pouring over cookbooks, homeschooling books in my free-time. It is SUCH an ART that so many people are unaware of. Mamas, don’t be ashamed to teach your daughters this. Papas, I urge you to commend the value of your wives and daughters, and to instill it in your sons. We are a society that only sees production and success in income and exterior. We need revival, and it begins in the home. Turn a deaf ear to the world and seek true joy.” ~Whitney Ann Dotson
The above short essay is a great reminder of what a true woman’s role is. It is certainly not to get into the “rat race” and compete against men. That whole procedure is satanic, and demeaning to both men and women, and destructive to families. My own mother was a stay at home mom, and she did not even have a car until I was in my early teens. She was happy to stay home, and cook. She was also a talented artist, and being home gave her ample opportunity to fulfill those creative urges. She looked for the approval of her family – not the approval of the world. Many of my “friends” made underhanded remarks about the fact that my mom was always home. Their moms had “careers.” But, those same friends, always showed up for my mother’s cookies and pies! While they ate those homemade treats, they often would longingly state that they wished their moms baked like that. How little the world understands the beauty of traditional family life.
Two new cars in the driveway is the signifier of the successful family nowadays. Frequent and lavish vacations are the norm, as well as eating out several times a week. Even daily in some circumstances. Instead of cleaning and gardening (which is excellent exercise) mom goes to a gym to stay in shape. Money is regularly paid out to nannies, housekeepers, health clubs, restaurants, and even to someone else to sew on buttons or repair a fallen hem. Dads are so tired they can’t take care of the yard, so lawn service is paid. What’s going on here? The answer is simple. Covetousness.
Always needing and wanting more. More house, more bedrooms, more bathrooms, more kitchen, better neighborhood, better schools, better clothing, more clothing, it goes on and on and on. When does satisfaction ever come? At what cost? Your kids? Your marriage? The world says – you can have it all! Drop your kids at daycare, drive in rush hour traffic. Work eight or more hours a day. Come home tired and order take-out. Why? Why would you do that? For money? What an awful statement of the world we find ourselves in. One young woman said to me -“I want to live in a better neighborhood.” I asked her what kind of neighborhood she thought Jesus lived in. No answer. And there usually isn’t. Christians are every bit as guilty of materialism as their worldly counterparts.
The fact is, that everything you are working for outside the home, will not be coming with you in the next life. The only thing in this short life we have, that we can possibly take with us into eternity – is our children. Your mission is not to have a spectacular home, and many possessions – your true mission as a woman is to be a “keeper at home.” It has more responsibility than any job in the outside world. and its rewards are far reaching. Way farther than the amount you have in the bank. Your greatest responsibility is to lead your children to a saving knowledge of Christ, and guide them on the path of righteousness.
The Vine Vigil 