The title alone has me intrigued! Let's dive in to some more scripture and enjoy this chapter.
Be Blessed!
-Linda
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Current Book Study Beginning Friday 16 September 2011
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
About Me
- Linda Faith
- I am a proud Air Force wife with an amazing supportive husband, Jarod. I am a stay at home mom of 3 wonderful boys. (Aiden 10, Micah 5 1/2, Jordan 1) I am currently pregnant with our 4th (and final...NO REALLY!) baby. I hope this blog helps family and friends follow our journey through the ups and downs of pregnancy especially since we live far away from all of them.
6 comments:
I’m not sure what to make of this chapter, as it almost seems inapplicable to me, the non-military member. The only thought I’ve really given to whether women should serve is that it breaks my heart for mothers who have to deploy from their children. Some of the smartest ladies (and strongest Christians I know) have worn the uniform, so far be it from me to judge.
In my own civilian experience, I gave up a very lucrative law practice when I became a mommy. Our income level dropped significantly and my sense of identity changed too (I went from Ally McBeal to June Cleaver- a June Cleaver with a messy house at that). But as much as it took an adjustment, I have seldom regretted my decision (I won’t say never because some days I would probably volunteer for a job on “The Deadliest Catch” to have a break, but almost never).
God has blessed me for my choice in so many ways. I have been a rock for my children in times of uncertainty (deployments, moves etc.), I have been there for their milestones, and I know them and really like them too. When I’m old and grey, I won’t have a huge nest egg, but I will have a loving family who I know I served as Christ would have me serve them.
I’m not saying my choice is the right choice for everyone and I have never been in the military. But I do know what it is like to duke it out in a male dominated career field. I personally have found this more stereotypical “feminine” lifestyle fulfills my soul in ways that power, money and prestige never could.
I am proud of the women that serve in our military today. In the 21st century the woman's role has changed drastically some of this is due in part to divorce (being single parents), our economy,and woman wanting to have other identities and responsibilities outside of being a wife and mother. I honor these woman. As for myself I have always worked and this is the first time that I have been unemployed in over 20 years. I have to say I really am enjoying it. I love volunteering and being home for my son. It has provided me with so many opportunities to learn new things, to teach him new things, and to just enjoy life. For the woman that serve I am so proud of them and I have the upmost respect for any woman that wears the uniform. I too once wore the uniform and I was proud to serve my country. I feel it takes courage, strength and faith to be a woman in today's military. I see many woman juggling kids, family, work, school,and friends, and in spite of its difficulties they manage to muster the strength to do it all. When I think about the courage and sacrifice that women make on a daily basis I think about Proverbs 31:25 which states," strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." I think I may be a rebel in a sense because I believe that women who choose to wear the uniform deserve our respect just like our husbands. I am all about woman, power and making a difference in this world without defining roles or gender.
I can't imagine being a wife/mom in the military. I know many who have done this and they are amazing to me! It is certainly not my gift. I have nothing but respect for these women and hope they aren't battling emotionally with mixed feelings having to leave family behind to fight for our country.
I started working when I was 11. (babysitting, if that counts) First real paycheck by 13. I always worked and earned my own money and bought my own things. I thought I could never be a homemaker because I'd be too bored. I loved working!
Then I met my husband and everything changed! I look at my life now and I am NEVER bored! I enjoy staying home with my children and I'm sure I will work again someday when the kids are a bit older.
We all have different callings. There may be a season in life when we are called to serve in the military or in the home. I pray for our women in the military that they can let their guard down at home with family and friends. I used to be "tough" and it made it difficult for me to let my husband be a "protector" to me.
I would love to hear feedback from some of the military women in this group. Again, I can't imagine what they go through. I only have respect for these amazing women!
-Linda
I really had a difficult time relating to this chapter, because I've been really blessed with the ability to stay home for our entire marriage.
Like Laurie, it's always broken my heart to think of how hard it must be for the deployed Mom to leave her children-- I feel bad enough for my husband and all that he misses, and let's face it, he's NOT the nurturer.
I have the utmost respect for their courage and strength.
I know I am late posting my comment, but my days seem to be slipping away from me lately!
Not working has been a struggle for me my entire marriage. I felt as though I had lost part of myself when I gave up a full time career to move 9 hours away and marry my husband. I struggled the first year with being pregnant and unable to work or concentrate on my schoolwork due to medical problems. And again the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of our marriage. I felt as though I had lost who I was. During our 5th year of marriage, James had to leave for a year and during that time I “found myself” again. I worked, I had a social life, and I went to school. Everything I did, I did as a “civilian”, and was finally able to separate being a military spouse from everything else in my life.
Then we moved to England. I felt like everything had fallen apart for me again. I have worked a few part time jobs, but still remained a “housewife”. I struggled with being home and finding any sort of joy in cleaning, teaching (I homeschool), and settling for online college courses. (Before you start wondering what kind of a woman I must be for feeling this way, be patient…I am getting to the good part!)
Something hit me one day, and I can’t really explain what it is that set this off, but it was dramatic. I realized that I was simply looking for something to fill the hole that was in my heart. Though I have always believed in God and Jesus, I never really made that decision to ACCEPT Christ or live for Him instead of for me.
Since then, I am finding that for me, my place is at home with my children. I am finding joy in the little things… folding laundry, eating breakfast with my children, teaching them about God and all that He has given us, even doing the dishes! I think that whether you work full time or not at all, it is important to hear what God is telling you HE wants you to do and find joy in that. Something I have found that helps is reading the book “Large Family Logistics” by Kim Brenneman. Even if you only have one child, I would recommend getting it and reading it cover to cover. It is full of scripture and tips that will encourage you in everything you are called to do.
I apologize for being so long-winded but this chapter really made me reflect back on how I got to where I am!
I can relate somewhat to what you are saying Courtney. I also felt that way. Then after a change of heart (and change of attitude) I now say "It's my privileged responsibility to be a stay-at-home mom/military wife". I know this time is only temporary. My kids will soon be grown and my hubby will be retired. I have put my dreams on hold to give my full attention to them and I am ok with that because I know my "job" right now is very important and it's helping to shape the lives of my children. It's certainly right for me and my family.
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