Passion and Vision

Recently, in Michael's online college course on US History, the procession of the women's rights issue came up. While members of his class discussed the benefits of the feminist movement and how wonderful it is that women can be more than "babymakers and housewives", a student asked "Would you say that a woman who does decide to just stay at home is actually a disservice to the women's movement?" To which, of course, my darling husband replied, "NO! Absolutely not!" (He is the best, if I hadn't mentioned that already) ;-) Michael was shocked that someone would actually suggest that - however, I, unfortunately, have run into that mentality more than once in my conviction to be "at home".

Later on, I came across this post, entitled "Strange Disappearance" from Ann Voskamp at "Holy Experience". It was so moving to me, to see the vision the Lord has imparted to me from the beginnings of our family, expressed in such beautiful words. Here is a portion, please make sure to go read the rest, along with ALL of her wonderful posts!

If I identify myself as the culture does, as a “stay at home Mom”, one who has no intellectual contribution, gross-national product contribution or status symbol contribution, I become just that: a woman who sees herself as one who has grunted and groaned out another human being and now stays behind her four walls, in self-imposed seclusion. Not much of a vision there---it actually sounds strangely psychotic.

If I deem myself as a woman employed by the Creator of everything ever created, as on work assignment in a sacred domain for the sculpting of souls that will exist forever and forever without end, I have a burning passion of purpose. And a paycheck that is said to be beyond what eye or ear can even comprehend!