Divine Purpose

Over the past seven weeks, I have felt more and more of a need to express my thoughts about an idea that has been rattling around in my head--one that threw me for a loop at first. So, here goes…

What do you think of when you hear the term "civilized"? It has a positive connotation, right? Perhaps it sounds intelligent and progressive. How about when you hear the term "primitive"? Perhaps a bit negative? Too simple, uncivilized, uneducated? Very few of us know about the Carlisle Indian Industrial School that was open during the late 1800s through the early 1900s. The purpose of the school was to "civilize" Indians, our Native Americans. In other words, make them "white" and rid them of their native culture--their primitive ways. While you may not have heard of this school, you are likely familiar with the societal moves against American Indian culture at the turn of the 20th century and their effects.

Well, I believe another culturally destructive movement has been happening--the purposeful elimination of the homemaker. As each decade passes, it seems that it is less and less socially acceptable to be a homemaker. In fact, many of us were taught, and we are now teaching our daughters that "women can and should do it all," independence is important, being a stay-at-home mom has no value and is not intellectually stimulating, and that working as a professional will fulfill you and give you a sense of accomplishment. The consequence of this "progress for women" is a lack of commitment to our husbands, home, and children, and that our needs and success, as women, are more important than the home. So much of our identity these days lie in the response to the question, "So, what do you do?"

Earlier this summer, I joined a bible study group for homeschooling moms at our church called "A Divine Look at Motherhood." As one of the speakers was sharing her story, she said something that spoke to me and really made me think. She said that she felt blessed that she never had the temptation to have a career. Wow! What? I am well-educated and had a career for well over a decade. I never thought of having a career as a temptation, but I get it now. It is crystal clear. It is a temptation to shift your focus and take you away from your divine purpose--the home.

The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5

Ultimately when we are not fulfilling our divine and most primitive purpose, we will experience turmoil and heartache as a mother. Husbands and fathers do not feel that tug or magnetic draw to the home. We do. We do for a reason. We do because it is our calling. Our creator knew what He was doing when He gave Adam a companion and helper. When we find our identity in Christ, our life makes sense. When we look at our divine purpose rather than fulfilling our own needs and desires, our life makes sense and we find contentment.

The effects of "civilizing" Native Americans more than a century ago are prevalent and well documented. Among them are alcoholism, abuse, unemployment, suicide, and diabetes.

What are the effects of less and less homemakers? More and more professional women who spend very limited time with their husbands and children and barely have time to be keepers of their home? Is that documented? Perhaps the high rate of divorce? Depression? Troubled children and youth? Obesity? Well, first off, research focused on this topic would certainly open a can of worms and rub many the wrong way. But, seriously, as Christians we are instructed And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

I leave you with, hopefully, inspiration to fulfill your divine purpose. "A devoted daughter (of the Lord) creates a loving mother." These are such inspiring words shared by one of our bible study speakers. Being a devoted daughter means being obedient to God's will and purpose for our lives, not what society tells us we should or can do. When we try to "do it all," our homes get the short end of the stick.  Doesn't the high calling of wife and mother deserve our entire focus?

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:10-12

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Proverbs 31:25-28

While my husband and I do not have daughters, we will certainly be raising our boys to respect, honor and encourage their wives to fulfill God's divine purpose as a wife and mother.

For more inspiration, I encourage you to read this amazing story.