Imagine if society was moving in the opposite direction. If the bearing, nurturing and raising of children was viewed as most important and men were striving to gain that equality of responsibility with women. What if the world was more focused on having and raising children instead of money, and governments strived to make that possible? But sadly, the opposite is true. Motherhood is being put away for careers and wealth. The world and us as women are actually demoting our purpose, and in doing so, we devalue ourselves.
Should it not be amazing that we have such powers as creating children, nursing and nurturing, being built in such a way that we can be the greatest mentors for the next generations? There is prodigious power in being a mother.
For myself it has been amazing to witness my body create another perfect little being, survive giving birth and not ruin my sex life, and now provide all the nutrients my little baby needs to grow strong and fat. It is so incredible to me, in fact, that I often wish my husband could experience it and know for himself. But this is not a power that men have. It is unique only to us women, and it should be cherished above all else. No other person on earth but a mother can build a greater love and connection for their child. And no one can find greater joy in doing so. This is our distinctive and perfect gift.
Before I even wanted children, the career I wanted more than any was to be a mother. My education, my future planning, even my choosing a husband all revolved around that desire. I needed an education which would allow me to work from home. I needed to find a husband who could the main provider for my family. I have held onto these traditional roles for husband wife with added respect and support for each other.
I grew up in a family with the most selfless woman as a mother. She has done nothing but serve her children, teaching us how to work, how to love, and how to improve ourselves. She was always there for us not matter what (and still is), helping each of us through our most difficult years. She is my role model now as I enter into motherhood.
I am not trying to give any negative connotation to careers for women that take them away from the home, only the increased insignificance given to motherhood. Women should not be ashamed or embarrassed by being a stay-at-home mom. That is my job right now and I can tell you it is no easy task. Motherhood is the greatest career and most important job we as women can do in our lives. For the world to continue with intelligent, kind and hardworking people, women need to be mothers.
Watching my baby change and grow and roll across the floor and grab anything she can is only the beginning of the wonders of raising a child. And I hope to be right in the middle of the action for at least the next eighteen years. In my mind there cannot be a greater joy or honor for a woman than to be a mother to her children and to those around her.
So I will defend this God-given power and ability for eternity, because that is how long motherhood lasts.
