Book Club: Chapter 5 - There’s No Place Like Home
April 1st, 2009 Kristen
Book Club on “Radical Womanhood” written by Carolyn McCulley. This week, we are studying chapter 5, There’s No Place Like Home.
This week’s chapter goes through the history of women and the home. My favorite paragraph from this chapter is the last one…
“Though the marketplace does not value the home beyond what goods can be purchased for it, the ministry to be found there is of immense worth to the Lord. The stability of the family relationships, the care of elderly or disabled family members, the disciplining and training of children, the warm reception of guests, the making of a lifetime of memories, the daily modeling of biblical instruction, the fresh nourishment in an age of processed foods that contribute to our general ill health, the joy of a Christ-centered marriage - all of these things have long-lasting, if not eternal, effects.”
This chapter concentrates on the history of women in the home. Home used to be a place where the husband and wife worked (be it on the farm or running a store, where the home was physically connected). Home was a place where the husband and wife worked together with their family, teaching their children, making a living and a life. Our culture does not permit that for the most part. So, I have to say, the history that was presented was interesting and I enjoyed it. Yet, not everyone has the option of working from home or being a stay-at-home mom. Though, I wish it were a possibility for those who do desire it. I see how much of the nurturing is really missed because of the lack of time. Women, for the most part, work and then come home and take care of the duties that their stay-at-home counterparts do all day, every day. You can see why most working mothers are stretched beyond belief. I believe we need to have a positive view of the home and appreciate the blessings that are found within this lifestyle, while recognizing that it is not a feasible option for many.
I don’t want to ever be in the place where I judge someone for their life choices, when I have not walked the proverbial “mile in their shoes”. I have been blessed to predominantly work from home and raise my children. (this morning I would have rather had a root canal, than to stay home but, I guess that isn’t the point, is it?? :) ) Yet, I am a “working mom” as well. We all need to tailor our lives as much as possible to be a blessing to our families and our God…whatever situation in which we find ourselves. Prayerfully seeking to live a life that what ever your working situation may be we do not neglect to work on the home God has blessed us with. Our homes are a gift from God, may we be wise stewards of what He has entrusted us with.
In closing, I’m challenged to prayerfully look at my life. I hope we are all asking Is it God-honoring? Do we feel you are fulfilling your role as a wife, mother, co-laborer with your spouse? Am I seeking wisdom from God on fulfilling my role? I would like to encourage all of us to look outside the box at times and realize, there is not only ONE option…there are many options. Get creative and really LIVE the life God has given you… whatever that looks like. Because, each family and individual is unique. Your qualities and giftings are unique. You are starring in “One Life to Live” :) ha!…why don’t you look at your life this week and see what you can do to really live it!
Tags: book club, Carolyn McCulley, christian worldview, counter-cultural, home, stay-at-home mom