In a discussion this morning with a Christian sister who had posted some things about being a homemaker, I shared some of my own thoughts and experiences.
The Proverbs 31 woman was very industrious, I admired her and wanted to be like her. The list for all the kinds of things I did would be very long. I was never bored, however, at times I was lonely because the other women in the neighborhood were all at work during the day. I had no one to visit with most of the time. I don't regret doing that difficult and diverse job of managing the household.
One thing that was hard at times was at extended holiday family gatherings the women were all boasting about their jobs and treating me like I was invisible. They were not interested ever in the things I was doing but loved talking about their own jobs. I never seemed to fit in anywhere. Nor was there any interest shown in me as a person. In our modern culture the homemaker has been looked down upon, it never made sense because the homemaker has a big job and is constantly busy if she does it according to Scripture.
The homemakers I have met over the years were educated intelligent women who made the choice to care for their families but were viewed by career women as less intelligent, in my case even mocked at times.
One of the sad things about the culture we live in is that many women think a woman who stays at home must be there because she can't do anything else and that she is lazy. This could not be farther from the truth for those who are diligent about the job of CEO of their homes it is just as, perhaps more challenging than going to an office to type and file papers for someone else all day.
If the homemaker had been a housekeeper and nanny for a wealthy prominent family she would have been seen as having a career, but when she does that same job for her own family without a paycheck, she is seen as less intelligent.
Satan lied to women, he told them there is no fulfillment in the home when just the opposite is true. He took them from their families to gain a paycheck and perceived prestige leaving each one in the household to fend for themselves.
Proverbs 31:"10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
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