I was born the 5th of 7 children. My dad worked full-time installing fire alarms, and on the nights and weekends, he worked as an electrician for the construction of new homes. My mom stayed home and raised us 7 children. I grew up learning to cook, sew, clean, and craft from my mom. She helped me with my homework and taught me to love reading. But on the weekends, every one of us kids went and helped my dad at the job site (this was back in the day before child labor laws). I remember as a little girl, sitting in an unfinished house, learning to wire plugs. Every person had a task- my older brothers would put in the light fixtures and I would twist the light bulbs in. We had so much fun working together!
I learned valuable skills from both my mom and my dad. My parents worked hard to provide for our family, and we were all expected to pitch in. My parents worked together, each with their own separate tasks and abilities. At the end of the night, we all sat down for dinner together and even though I’m sure providing for a family of 9 was hard, we had a lot of fun, and there was always a sense of pride that we accomplished something together. I learned at a young age that every person had value- no matter their age or gender.
Now I am a mother myself. My husband and I are raising our 4 kids with the same values and principles that I learned as a young girl. He works 40 hours a week, and I stay home with our children.
Being a stay-at-home mother is something I chose- something I have wanted to do since I was little. Some may question my choice to be a stay-at-home mom. I realize that some people might think that I don’t have much “real life” experience, or that I don’t provide a lot of value to society. Some may say that because I am a full-time, stay-at-home mother, I am being stifled or restricted. I worry that people will think that I don’t value womanhood or feminism, that I don’t believe in equal rights for women. Those people could not be farther from the truth.
I believe in equal rights for women. I believe that if a woman does the same work as a man, she should earn the same pay. I believe that if I am capable of something, I should be allowed to do it- not held back because of my gender. I believe women can run companies, should hold offices in government, and use power tools (I do that all the time on my other blog, The Creative Mom). I believe women are assets to the workforce, because we bring a unique perspective that men often aren’t capable of understanding. I stand behind people who fight for better treatment of women in America, and especially women around the world who aren’t afforded the same privileges I am. I wish so badly that women everywhere were loved, honored, and cared for. I wish every girl could grow up believing she could be anything she wants to be, knowing that she has value because she is a daughter of God, who loves her.
Yes, I believe in feminism. I believe in equal rights. But I also believe a woman should be able to choose to be a mother and not put down because of it. I believe that if a woman chooses to be a stay-at-home mother- because she chooses to forgo a career in order to raise a family- that she should be given the same respect and admiration as the women running companies and holding offices. I wish for a world where I can say, “I’m a stay-at-home mom”, and be applauded, not shamed for it. Some of the greatest women I know are mothers who have dedicated their lives to raising a family. These women would have been amazing lawyers, doctors, and CEO’s- but they found their calling in fixing peanut butter sandwiches, carpooling to soccer, and singing lullaby’s. Yes, at times I wish I could go to work and feel like I had something I could accomplish for myself. But I have found my greatest joy is in the messy faces of 4 kids who call me mom, and being here for them as they grow is all the paycheck I need.
When are we going to realize that a woman reading a book to a child is just as important as a woman reading in a new law. A woman baking cookies with her daughter is just as important as a woman broadcasting in front of a million viewers on television. A woman helping her son with math is just as important as a woman making complex calculations for a corporation. And woman teaching her children faith, prayer, and kindness is just as important as a woman teaching at a university. All these roles are different, and all these rolls are equally important.
Surely, if you are a woman pursuing a career, I raise my hat to you. I know that you are up against so many challenges and the world is against you. I hope you feel angels behind you, as you break that glass ceiling. I want you to know that mothers like me look up to you. You are the ones out there- in the battle field- fighting for women. But please know that just because I’m not out there fighting with you, doesn’t mean I don’t believe in you- in us! I believe in women who do what they feel called to do! Whether you are killing it at the office, struggling to provide for your family, teaching my children at school, answering phones and scheduling appointments, or raising those babies at home- please know that God is behind you. I know that He loves you, He cares what you are doing, and that he sends angles to lift you up. He has the greatest confidence in you and he wants you to reach your goals and chase your dreams. You are worth so much more than you could ever know! I believe in you, feminism, please believe in me too.
Thank you for reading this post. If you liked it, you might like these others I’ve written:
God Cares About the Small Things Too
5 promises I make to my Spouse Everyday
5 articles every mom should read
Am I doing this Mom thing right?
The one thing I changed that made me a better wife and mom
10 tips for a tear free dentist visit
Well said, Nat!