A Woman of Worth

Like many, I was stunned by a comment made by CNN commentary analyst, Hilary Rosen, about Ann Romney yesterday.  Her attitude revealed a bias that women who chose to manage a home and raise children are dumbed down, "...hasn't worked a day in her life." Ann's choice to remain in the home and raise her five sons is neither and Ms. Rosen's attitude is nothing new.  In fact, Ms. Rosen assumed wrongly that most out there share in her attitude (I think her slip is showing - or telling).  It was a pervasive idea in the 1960's when the 'June Cleavers' of the '50s were boring roll models for baby boomer moms.  Then the '70's had those boomer women burning their bras in demonstration for women's rights - all a good thing because on the totem pole of prejudice, women were at the bottom.  There were commercials back then that inspired us to think we women could have it all.  Go to work in that man-suit pantsuit, bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan, finishing the day as a sex kitten, making the husband feel like a man.  And many believed that, setting in motion women's working impact on corporate America - leaving the home.  It was revolutionary.  Women and those who obliged becoming successful were considered heroic - trail blazing for a righteous cause, women's rights.  Those heros inspired us. They were independent, captivating vamps that had it all.  But did they?


Looking back we can see history earmarking that period as a beginning of an end, the declining American family.  Divorce even became a 'get out of jail card' once a woman had financial independence.  Okay, I'm speaking generally here, but seriously; a shift of commitment happened from the home to a career.  What I'm suggesting is that we can't have it all.  There are choices we make that solidify our commitment to what's most important. In those years, it wasn't home and family.  Presidential candidate, Rick Santorum and others have attributed ills in America today as having roots in a break up of the American family unit. I'm inclined to agree and believe it began with dual working parents.  


I think there's pressure for mothers to leave the home environment and it is what's terribly wrong in our society. After all, the 'career' choice to manage a home and raise children is not only laborious work but rewarding and viable to the societal fabric of a productive future generation.  But back in the 70's when I was making a choice to stay in the home and raise my own children; I was seen as a waste of my talents and working skills.  A mindful decision on my part was frowned upon, being that I was choosing to be a simpleton. I don't regret it and I commend those like Ann Romney who chose similarly.  We couldn't afford it financially; we sacrificed. But we were inspired for a higher costly standard in which we believed.  And it's a mystery - we got by and my children I know, are better for it.  


An excellent wife who can find? She is more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her...Proverbs 31: 10 &11. Chapter 31 goes on speaking about all her praiseworthy deeds that are enterprising, serving with dignity, profitable, charitable, upstanding and she laughs at the future because she is wise and prepared.  She teaches kindness and is not idle - EVER! Her husband praises her as she has done excellently, far and above what is expected.  Verse 30-31: Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.  


Am I suggesting that only women remain in the home to nurture children? No, every family is custom fit to an end objective of raising healthy children. But I do think we need to reinvent a return to nurturing our own children. It works best that way. Are there exceptions? Of course. We're all very unique, designed to contribute as called in occupation.  And in this present economy where it demands two incomes just to get by for most folks; it directs difficult choices and acceptance.  However, let's not be deceived.  By the time we figure in gas, wardrobe, daycare, maybe even expenses of a second car and fast food out on the go - it adds up to not a great bang for your buck invested having a second income.  Sometimes less really does add up to more.
Dump the attitude, Ms. Rosen - it's archaic.  Americans are suffering by those ideals from a distant past and many contemporaries are now rethinking a viable career in home management.