Thursday, January 31, 2008

Concerns of a Young Man


This comes from someone who lived in Georgia, part of the former Soviet Union. Your encouraging comments are most welcome!

Dear Lydia,
I've read through some of your articles and am very impressed by them, especially few instances where you made mentions of the issues of feminism. I have some few questions to ask you but have not been adequately or properly answered by others to whom I gave similar concerns.

A few months ago I had a conversation with a good friend of mine and he said something to the effect that in the near future, probably around three to five decades from now (years 2030-2050), that as a result of the ever-growing influence of feminism humanity will be altered to an extent that we will not even be recognizable as men and women any longer but will be likened unto the wild hyenas (those animals who have the ability to alternate their sexes at will). He calls this race a "rise of the unisex race".

Ever since that prediction of his, I have been terrified by that, so much that it has been on my mind night and day (literally). As I also reflect on our current trends I have also lamentably noticed that feminism is just becoming more and more stronger like a deadly juggernaut.

Even this recent decades I've observed that women are entering into certain occupations which universally have been solely held by men, I see more growing numbers of female police officers lately, they're almost a 50/50, I've observed that now women are entering into the military, there are hundreds of thousands of women at war as we speak in Afghanistan fighting alongside men, I see more women holding positions of power, like female senators, politicians, corporate executives, females now outnumber the males in the University Campuses by a large margin (at least in Toronto) and even most recent running for presidential candidacy, even in my country where I'm originally from (Georgia on the black sea) on the recent presidential election there was a woman running for the office (something which is totally unprecedented in history).

In reverse I also observe men increasingly growing ever so effeminate in all ways, they too are beginning to occupy feminine rolls as nurturers and homemakers, I see this new phenomenon of the so-called "stay-at-home dads"; husbands who stay home as nurturers while their wives are at work providing and protecting. This is the most accursed trend that I have yet come across, they're no less abominable than homosexuals and transvestites.

When I observe these shifts, changes and fads I grow terrified because these things are a blueprint to our future world, since this recent decade they have been escalating at an astronomical scale, just imagine how worse this will become within another two or three decades later, all these practices will become generalized.

What do biologists and scientists say about sexual differences? Are they interchangeable as our government is trying so hard to make us believe, I mean just recently in 2000 they've began to enforce the Cadet school to admit girls in their Academy and now they're side-by-side training with boys as soldiers. Have they finally proven their point that there is absolutely no difference between men and women, since now that they have become soldiers and do everything as well as any men can do, what uniqueness and distinction do we find in sexes now? (Since I always thought that men were much physically stronger than women, have they finally proven that a myth which was socially constructed in some pre-historic era?).

What do all the Psychologists and doctors and experts say on this? Tell me, do you think that all this will start to change and will begin to go backwards undoing all these abominable transgressions that has taken place recently? Or is humanity really doomed and these trends will continue to rise. Because frankly I do not want to become a father and a grandfather to the "unisex" children.

I'm trying not to be so pessimistic but I don't see any positive changes at all, all I see is that the feminists are just pushing and pushing and pushing their agenda in campuses, in governments, public schools, movies, etc... Or do you think they will only go so far that they will start to crumble, do we see evidence of it?

If so what is the evidence that the feminist agenda will succumb to its ultimate demise? So far I see that its more vigorous than ever. I seldom see a woman nowadays who is willing to stay home with their children, I mean even there were many in the mid 90's but now they have almost been evaporated, someone on the Internet actually commented that traditional roles have become antiquated.

I am trembling by such a thought, why isn't God restraining their enterprise, why is he suddenly letting this happen when nothing like this ever happened before?

Sometimes I am almost convinced that we're living in the last days and Christ is finally returning to judge this awful world. I really need a positive answer and a consolation to my constant worries, are my fears groundless? I sure hope that they are, otherwise I will never be able to live in such an dreadful world.

Please tell me it's not true and that it will finally stop somewhere but not too far. Please answer it adequately and really think about what I wrote, I beg you to comfort by troubled soul. I would also ask you to post this on your site or on a forum somewhere where I will be receiving some comments and views. I've tried to ask other similar bloggers on this but they haven't taken enough effort to adequately address my concern. So I hope to hear from you soon, I beg you to help me.

Ambactus






59 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ambactus,

You aren't going crazy. You are just living in Toronto.

Dianna said...

God made us as men and women. We were men and women before we were born, and we will continue to retain our gender after we die. If you are born a woman or a man, there is nothing you can do to change that fact, no matter how you act or what you do to your body.

God gave us agency, the power to choose good or evil. We are here on Earth to be tested and tried. God wants to reward us, but it would make no sense if we were always forced to do right. He will not always stop terrible things from happening because that would interfere with our freedom to choose. Also, life wouldn't be much of a test if you were always rewarded or punished directly after making a choice, or if your actions did not end in their natural consequences!

I do believe that we are living in the last days, and that things are going to continue getting worse. The world is indeed full of trouble, but we can make the choice to stand strong amid this turmoil and make correct choices. If you are prepared and have faith, you will not need to fear.

Anonymous said...

In the Old Testament, armies were always made up of men, although in some cases there was a judge or a spy or a helper who was a woman. I say "a" because they were isolated cases, not trends.

From the beginning, God made them male and female, and that cannot change. Scientist quacks might try to make a unisex person but that person could never reproduce themselves. It will still always male or female to start with.

The Bible shows the consequences of those who indulge in homosexual behaviour, as a warning to others. It doesn't gloss over it and call them acceptable in their sin. Instead of accepting it all, we should try to rescue these people and help them get out of that lifestyle.

Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads said...

As a military wife, I can give you a "glimpse" into the military side of things. While (here in the US) some branches do allow men and women to train side-by-side, I assure you that they are not equal. They have 2 different standards for men and women. The military recognizes that men and women are not created equal. Very few women can do what men do physically.

Living in fear is not what God would have us to do. We need to give our cares and concerns to the Lord.

Lydia said...

I do not pay much heed to trends or reports or studies. THey can never be perfectly scientific or perfectly prophetic. Each generation has the responsibility to restore the home and the family and get back to God's word, the Bible. We cannot always base our lives on what the previous generation has done, unless it is something good. We, each of us, have to determine to be a light in this dark world. The media and the homosecuals get most of their power from the noise they make, but because they think it is the way of the future, does not mean that it is. Remember in Sodom that God said he would not destroy the city if there could be found ten righteous people. There doesn't have to be a large population of people doing what is right to make us do something or believe something. It just takes one or two. I saw that when I (a) homeschooled my children in the midst of opposition when practically no one else was doing it and (b) remained a homemaker whilst the rest of the women were marching off to work. The influence of one has a great impact on the world. Just dressing as distincly male or female people is a great influence. We cannot depend on the reports and the pschologists or scientists, because their judgement is often flawed by their conditioning, by their training, and by their prejudices. As long as time has existed, God's people lived right in the middle of very hedonous places. Look at Joseph and his brothers in Egypt. A study of the Egyptians of the time will reveal a lot of strange things going on that would make the average person's heart sink. Yet because we are given the map to follow (the Bible) we have the assurance that the path will take us to the right place.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Lady Lydia. Before I read her comment, I was going to say that shining light dispels darkness one light at a time. God will always have a remnant of His own.
I hold my "candle" in this dark world, and with my candle lit, I can light other, one at a time.
The light will overcome darkness. It takes prayer and faith and action.
Patricia

Anonymous said...

The Bible is the perfect anectdote for all the bad news one hears, all the predictions of the "experts" etc. It is the good news. It shows how to live and have an abundant life. Even in the midst of the "unisex" world, there is always a grassroots movement to restore what is lovely. A while back we heard that there was going to be a climate change so that there would not be seasons. Yet the Bible promises that while the earth remains there will be seedtime and harvest, summer and winter. It is useless to worry about the reports about the way the world is going, because they are designed in part to keep us constantly in turmoil.

Home Educator's Helper said...

I believe it is biologically impossible to genetically alter our gender - I highly doubt such a thing will occur ever, yet alone in the next 30 years.

History has a habit of repeating itself, we often think 'such a thing' has never happened before, but if you study back some way you will find the current world shares some similarities with an ancient world somewhere along the line.

The important thing is to make sure our expectations of women line up EXACTLY with the Bible - ALL of the Bible. Not this or that era.

Maybe the 'keeper at home' will fade away, I know here in Australia that seems to be the goal, but there are those of us who will insist upon our rights to bear and keep children as there will be those that insist upon their right to 'bear and keep arms'.

One of the positives I am finding is that a lot of Christian families are having a lot of children, where as feminists do not tend to have so many - we have the advantage you see, with any luck we will outbreed them all and in a generation or two, when society realises what a mess they have made, there will be a huge trend bringing women back home.

Do not give up hope - there is a line from Anne of Green Gables which says 'To despair is to turn your back on God' or something similar - just remember, at the end of the day it is God who rules this world and not man.... or woman ;-)


Wishing, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, 1855-1919

Do you wish the world were better?
Let me tell you what to do:
Set a watch upon your actions,
Keep them always straight and true;
Let your thoughts be clean and high:
Of the sphere you occupy.

Do you wish the world was wiser?
Well, suppose you make a start
By accumulating wisdom
In the scrapbook of your heart.
Do not waste one page on folly;
Live to learn, and learn to live.
If you want to give men knowledge
You must get it ere you give.

Do you wish the world were happy?
Then remember day by day
Just to scatter seeds of kindness
as you pass along the way:
For the pleasures of many
May be oft times traced to one,
As the hand that plants an acorn
Shelters armies from the sun.

Lydia said...

Here is another one by Ella Wheeler Wilcox:
Its easy enough to be pleasant
When life flows by like a song,
But the one worthwhile is the one who can smile,
When everything goes dead wrong..

Anonymous said...

Ambactus,

I began homeschooling 21 years ago here is the U.S. That is not long enough ago that I can be considered a pioneer homeschooler but it was a time when I found myself very alone with little or no support. Then we began expanding our family and found ourselves even more isolated in our convictions. Of course,being a homemaker over the past 25 years I have almost always found myself to be the only woman home during the day in the neighborhood-so add that to the feeling of loneliness! But, with the loving support of my hardworking husband we have perservered in our convictions and have eight children to count as blessings in our journey here on earth!

25 years later now, very large homeschooling families are a fairly common site in many areas of the u.S.! We have traveled to many parts of the U.S. and are no longer surprised to see 15 passenger vans full of one family (not a daycare)!

A major news magazine has even done a report on the Quiverfull movement and how this new generation of homeschooled children will affect the elections! Apparently, while we were plugging away in our little corner and feeling lonely in our convictions so were a lot of other folks! And now, due to a new baby boom among believers, even the liberal media is sitting up and taking notice!

This is just ONE WAY that God continues to cause revival among His people! He uses common, everyday simple methods (like men being men and women being women and seeking to please God in their created roles) and He slowly but surely sprinkles His "salt" throughout a heathen world.

Seek Him in all things and develop a godly boldness! It has never been
easy to follow Him in the midst of perversity and we should not be surprised that we find ourselves in a battle.

Be Bold! Be A MAN! Read godly literature and strengthen your faith by spending time with like-minded people even it is through books written by Christians!

God is the victor-we know the end of the story!

Mrs. Doug Farris

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Young Man,

The best most powerful independent thing you can do is to have a family of your own where you can create the kind of life that is not crazy. Out there in the world is not something to go by. It is not a place to judge how we will live. It is up to you to change the world by getting married to a woma who wants to stay home and be a nurterer, and to provide for her and protect her. Get married and let your wife be a homemaker and homeschool your children. It is through the government schools and sometimes even the private ones, that the minds of our children are changed so that the next generation believes all this gender confusion is normal. Whoever controls the children controls the nation. So get married, have lots of babies and create your own country at home where everyone will v ie for your sons and daughters and want to get into your family and be part of that goodness.

Anonymous said...

"All things are wearisome,
more than one can say.
The eye never has enough of seeing,
nor the ear its fill of hearing.
What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there anything of which one can say,
"Look! This is something new"?
It was here already, long ago;
it was here before our time."
Ecclesiastes 1:8-10


This is far from the first time women have bucked traditional gender roles. Just look at the Amazonian women or the matriarchal societies all around the world. Do not be disheartened by what seems to be, and be careful not to be naive enough to think that what is now is new and different. It is so easy to be downtrodden by what we assume is one specific way. Just my two cents.

Jenny

Anonymous said...

such behavior can be concentrated in larger populated areas. In homes and villages and country areas, things are not as blatant.

Anonymous said...

The men and women of 2030 are already alive, so, I wouldn't worry about it.

Me said...

My husband and I and our five children live in "traditional" roles of man and woman and we are so happy and content this way.
Is is distressing that th trend of the world is the opposite of us? Yes. But if I focus on that, I cannot focus on raising my family and supporting my husband or visiting and loving my neighbors. If I do my job correctly then hopefully I'll be multiplying my ideals times five in the next generation!

Anonymous said...

Dear Sir,

I think that they will get their due, in God's own timing. Rest assured that mankind will not be able to sin and get away with it. I think Romans 1:18f speak to this clearly (esp. vs. 22-27).

Although we must continue to live a righteous example irregardless of the wicked, that we might continue to shine the light of Christ into the world.

Don't give up hope. Live boldly.

candy said...

The Bible says "Let not your heart be troubled".

The Bible also says we shouldnt believe in what the doom-sayers are predicting. Just like the Y2K and other predictions of doom, disaster and such. These are not things we have to worry about. We have a great big God...and nothing, not one thing, is too big for our God to handle.

For me, I just keep having Faith in God and trusting in Him that He will look after His people, and especially our children.

I refuse to let worry and fear creep into my heart. I believe that if we all continue to do what were doing, training our children in the ways of the Lord, then when they are older they will be remain firm in their beliefs and not get mixed up in whatever else is popular or going on in the world.

And yeah, maybe God is coming back soon and will bring justice to the world. As long as were ready for His return, then there is nothing to fear :)

God Bless,

Candy from Canada

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Ambactus,

You've already gotten some good responses so I hope you don't mind if I focus on something else.
I'm also young. (22) I go to university and daily experience the things that you wrote about. I know it's difficult, but the only biblical way to deal with it is to find some good mentors that you trust and engross yourself in things that uplift you.
I know it can be lonely and frustrating to watch people destroy themselves in sin, but if we don't separate ourselves from them and focus on godly things it is easy to focus on the sin and get caught up in the despair that results from it.
I'm not excusing bad behavior, but remember that young women my age often have mothers and grandmothers that were steeped in feminism. Many of us have never seen living examples of a stay-home-mother. My change of heart to becoming a godly woman did not come until I was 19 and many times I've felt like I had to reinvent the wheel because I've had no one to help me or to show me how to do things.
I know things seem pretty bad at times, but remember that pockets of us are everywhere and if you look hard enough, you will find godly young people who believe in biblical family roles.

I hope this helps.

In Christ,

Lizzy F.

Anonymous said...

About women in combat, obviously overall they are not equal to men in physical strength and I don't see how a "unisex" is going to happen -

http://www.fredoneverything.net/MilMed.shtml

http://www.bobjust.com/womenincombat/

The breakdown you are seeing is spoken of in the Bible:

"...children are their oppressors and women rule over them."

http://bible.cc/isaiah/3-12.htm

Why? Straying from God. A breakdown in society reflects a breadown in people's lives.

Prayer and revival are needed.

Don't live in fear; don't base your decisions on fear. Remember when Peter took his eyes off the Lord and instead looked at the waves, he started to sink.

Seek to know God and please Him and He will direct your path.

Some quotes:

"If you want to be distracted, look around.
If you want to be disgusted, look within.
If you want to be delighted, look at Him."

"Whoever lets himself be shaped and guided by anything lower than an inflexible will, fixed in obedience to God, will in the end be shaped into a deformity and guided to wreck and ruin."
--Alexander Maclaren, Expositions of Holy Scriptures: Psalms http://www.ccel.org/ccel/maclaren/psalms.txt

It is only when men begin to worship that they begin to grow.
--Calvin Coolidge

Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God.
It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness,
nourishment of mind by His truth,
purifying of imagination by His beauty,
opening of the heart to His love,
and submission of will to His purpose.
--William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury

Cara said...

What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right.

We live in a time (the last days) when things are just going to get wonky. But it is up to us as individuals to continue on doing what is right, even if everyone around is doing the opposite. Your concern is valid, but don't worry so much...just decide to do the right thing and then go do it. Be a man who will stand up for "traditional" ways. You'll get bashed for it, but what does that matter if you're standing up for what's right?

The weirdness that is feminism will continue to grow, of that I have no doubt, but things are supposed to get pretty bad in the end...this is just one of those things. All we can do is keep our focus on the strait path and press forward in what is right. Sometimes the only thing you can do to help others is to be a good example of what is right.

Anonymous said...

Dear Ambactus;

It is good to hear a young man voicing concerns about such a tough issue. I myself am only a high school student, so I don't know much about social sciences or the effects of biology. What I can tell you though, is this; no matter how much the two sexes decide to resemble one another, or how many traits they adapt, there will always be the proud few, including ourselves, who still see the beauty in the blessings God gave us when he determined what we would be. As long as there are young men like yourself who fret over the important things, who still know the value of respect and becoming the men and women He created us to be, and as long as women such as ourselves still hold to our true calling, then I can see only a bright future! Hope is not lost until the last falls.

God bless,
Machelle

Anonymous said...

Look to God, not to man.

Ten of the twelve men sent to spy out the Promised Land focused on the frightening giants in the land and reacted with such fear that it caused them to want to disobey God. God called their response a rejection of Him.
Numbers 13-14:11 & Joshua 14:6-15.

The troubles, the "giants," that you see in the world are part of your training ground in becoming a man of God. Do you see, then, that they can be used for your good? You are to learn to be an overcomer in God.

Sometimes the hardest thing to overcome is our own fear, not the actual object of our fear.

Fear paralyzes and causes a shrinking from life.

Shakespeare said: "Cowards die many times before their death; the valiant never taste of death but once." Reject fear. Choose to serve God no matter what. Luke 9:24

Quit worrying about the "giants in the land" and get on with living a Godly life. We are here to learn how to love. Love God. Love people. Let the rest worry about itself.

Anonymous said...

If fear is overwhelming your life and you can't deal with it on your own, please look for a pastor or a mature Christian who can help you deal with it.

Lydia said...

I am always perplexed at young people who have so much fear in their lives. I am not so old yet, but when we were young, in the 50's, even in spite of all the world disasters around us, we were thrilled to be part of that era and happy to be young. We wanted marriage, homes, businesses and families like our parents before us. We were in love with life.

Now, with all the scientific drama being shoved in our faces, there is a sense of fear and depression. Is it possible this young man's friend works in research or for a cloning company? That kind of information can certainly grip one's heart with dread. Also many educational establishments sit in their high towers dictating to people what life will be like or should be like. This sort of thing is hardly helpful to real life. Does it help anyone with real problems? REal problems are things like: how can we prevent divorce. How can we give children stable home lives. How can we keep sound minds. How can we keep out of debt and prosper. How can we create businesses so that we can help our children and grandchildren to have a living. How can we be healthy and strong? How can we have a happy, optimistic view of life? These scientific research places waste a lot of time and money producing nothing but hype and fear, at our expense. The Bible is the only thing with answers on how to conduct life.

They are ignoring the masses, actually. They are ignoring real life. Many people of each generation go back to the old paths where the good walk is and where they find peace. See Jeremiah 6:16 and Jeremiah 29:11. They are going back to the home and the family, home schooling their children and keeping their homes. They are having children and taking responsiblity for them by not sending them to daycare or schools for early programming.Many women are now at home, and some supplement their income by making and selling beautiful things for the homemaker and the home. REsearch scientists are ignoring this.

Although I usually try to keep this blog about the home, I would like today to conduct a poll.

If you are a young lady at home with parents and are planning to marry and stay home, write in your reasons and also tell us if you like it at home and why.

If you are staying home with your children and teaching them, write and tell us why you think it is preferable to career outside the home.

If you are married and have no children, write why you are home and what your husband thinks about it.

If you have already raised your children, write why you are home and what fills your time.

If your mother and grandmothers before you were homemakers, write something about them, too.

It is the poll that the so called scientists will never take.

Anonymous said...

This has been posted once before,but it is a good reminder that nothing really changes:

The Bible
THIS BOOK contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveller's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword and the Christian's charter.

Here paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand object, our good is its design and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.

It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgement, and will be remembered forever.

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Lydia,

having just read your latest entry on 'Home Living' courtesy of that young gentleman, Please convey my prayers and words of encouragement (mirrored by many who have commented thus far) Unfortunately, something seems to be awry with the 'blogger' software so I'm writing you directly hoping you can post anything of this that may be appropriate.

Firstly, when one stands back and surveys the wreckage that is our post modern world, one can almost instantly be overtaken with an almost unbearable sense of loss, grief and anguish that cuts right through to the very core. These potent reactions are more often than not accompanied with a sense of utter helplessness and woe equal to that of the innocent man imprisoned for life for a crime he has never committed - with no chance of appealing or protesting his blamelessness. The marxist/feminist sea leaves one feeling as if they will surely drown beneath its icy depths with no-one even aware a man is sucomming to its forces. These anxieties are most acutely experienced by those who have sojourned along the path of the lie (even as Christians) when they awaken as if from a deep sleep to the realisation of not only their own condition but the condition of the majority within the churches and without.

To these struggling souls, I offer my deepest prayers for peace and contentment in naught but Christ Jesus. Additionally, for those struggling along in the university system (Christian or secular) I also offer a special prayer, word and thought. I too have been engaged in this area and have found it stifling to say the least. Nonetheless, a voice crying in the wilderness as it were can make a difference simply by standing up for his own convictions with Christlike love, humility, commitment and truthfulness though admittedly it is more difficult in some fields than others.

Secondly, no matter how perverse this tired old world seems, he truly needs to focus upon love for after all, true love casts out all fear. Fear and anxiety are the two great tools of the enemy wielded to render us disempowered and struggling beneath the bonds of futility. God provides the light of hope and reasurance in this dark age and indeed, there is nothing new under the sun. God is in control. God will triumph and the light will overcome the darkness.

Thirdly, the law of averages states that sooner or later, 'the push' - the feminist/marxist media, academia, arts lobbies, intelegencia, philosophers, writers and theologans/clergy will by dint of their liberal stance bread themselves out. For every 7 children born to 'liberal' households, 70 are born to God-fearing homes. Even if 75% of these rebelled and followed the world, the remaining faithful would outnumber the 'liberals' almost three to one. Even with these grave statistics, the law of averages would demand the Godly would eventually find themselves in the majority.

Furthermore, even though here in Australia the Rudd government is hastily drawing up legislation and guidelines to push even more mothers into the workforce, if we merely live our lives and convictions 1 Peter 3 style, we are having an impact. Not only is our government pushing mothers back to work in greater numbers than ever, it is also moving to make preschool compulsory, increase compulsory school age to 16 or even 18 (currently 15) meaning that from the age of 3 or 4, the infants of today will on mass be surrendered into the care of the state or its proxies for fifteen years. (as in half the states of Australia, homeschooling is very difficult with much monotoring, interfearance by educational bodies and manditory 'socialisation' within the public schools monthly or weekly). Only in Queensland is it widespread, easy and no-fuss - mothers don't even have to seek exemptions from regular school enrolment and the ACA (Australasian Homeschool Acadamy) is afforded school status so enrollment with them is considered as valid as enrolment at a conventional Queensland school. Parents can also choose the corriculum they use (so programmes such as 'Rod and Staff' can be used freely).

Through this, we've got to soldier on one believer, one family at a time trusting that despite the chaos, God is in control.

To those in 'Western Dictatorships' such as Canada, Australia, Scandinavia etc let us thank God for putting us in these lands, that we can shine His light one day at a time.

Blessings,

Anonymous said...

Go to Vox Popoli, (Vox Day) who writes for a paper, and predicts that feminism will not survive.

Lydia said...

Dear Lydia,
I thank you thousand times for all these wonderful and thoughtful responses that my comments have generated. Needless to say, I'm delighted and quite surprised to receive so many answers from such sincere, intelligent and devoted people. I am greatly encouraged and thankful.
I would be more than happy to get into contact with anyone who wants to discuss these issues.
THIS IS JUST WHAT I NEEDED,

God bless you,

Leo Nikoladze

Anonymous said...

Here is a link to an article refuting the unisex idea: "Feminist Follies, or Why Men and Women are Different"

There are related articles linked on the left sidebar.

http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2006/09/27/feminist-follies-or-why-men-and-women-are-different/

Anneatheart said...

I just wanted to say, that I believe that we, as Christians, are on the winning side. Yes this world is filled with sin and the consequences thereof- I also believe we are in the last days, so what is the enemy going to do? Plow into us with a passion to try to get as many away from Christ as possible before his time is up. Read Revelation...

On the surface, in the news and media, of course the only thing we'll hear or see is the bad. However, in what I've been seeing and hearing in real people's lives, there is a change going on. In my area, there are many,many stay at home moms and many homeschooling moms. God is a big God, who has plans and purposes in place for an appointed time. He will raise us up and use those to reach other families and so on and so on. There are women out there who desire to be a woman, marry, care for their husband and home, have children and really raise them at home. You just submit this to the Lord, and He will give you peace and the desires of your heart.

Cherish the Home said...

Lady Lydia,

You said:

If you are married and have no children, write why you are home and what your husband thinks about it.

I am married and have no children and I stay at home and my husband is very happy with it. He likes that I'm home when he gets home and that I can conform my schedule and life to his.--And I LOVE it too! (o:

Blessings,
~Mrs.B

Kimberline said...

I did want to say that I very much enjoyed all the comments and found them encouraging and thought provoking. I was happy to see Lydia post from the young man who originated the question. He seems to be very pleased with the responses.

I picked up on a thread from many of the posts indicating that perhaps the world is trying to distract us and make us fearful. I loved the comments from those who posted to stay on track and keep doing what we know we should do to be light in a dark world. I struggle with fear a bit myself but it always helps to ground myself in my own little corner of the world. It is important that fear not be given a place to stay in our homes.

Thanks to all who posted such delightful comments and encouragements. It lifted my spirits today, too!

Kimber

Anonymous said...

We are living in the end times - times prophesied about in the Holy Scriptures. The decay and corruption in society will continue to accelerate. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!!!!
Kathy F.

Anonymous said...

Every century had its share of threats and woes and sorrows. No matter what era we live in, we are still responsible to do what we can to live right and fight the tide of evil. We cannot use the end times as an excuse to give up. Every person can do something, even it is to raise up a godly family. It brings quicker results than an act of congress.

Strawberry Queen said...

I am a stay-at-home mother.

I chose to stay at home and my husband has blessed me by allowing us to homeschool. I have the *best* life. I am in charge of my domain. I have responsibilities that never end. Yet, I have the freedom to structure my day and life to meet those needs in a timely fashion. I have time to teach, time to care for my home, and time to spend with God.
I don't come home at night exhausted from work, wondering how I will remain cheerful while I cook supper.
I am available to spend the evening with my husband. I have energy to put into that relationship.
I have the time to teach my daughters and build into their lives. My 7yo is becoming a great cook, and I know that I would not have the energy to attempt this after working all day.
I have joy from God that I am where I should be, doing what He has made me to do. I have always wanted to be a mother, and I always wanted to be at home, as my mother worked my whole life.
Oh, on a side note, I have also started looking after a 3yo who lives across the street. Her mother is single and has to work. I was known as a good person because I baked things and shared it with them:) Now, I am influencing this little girl and her mother, making sure she's loved and not a cog in the daycare machine.

Anonymous said...

"If you are a young lady at home with parents and are planning to marry and stay home, write in your reasons and also tell us if you like it at home and why."

I am in my early 20s. I am a part-time college student, but my school is so close I can walk there in ten minutes. I have nine younger siblings, and I like being with them more than I like being with my "college kid" friends. If God blesses me with a husband, I plan to stay home. The musical training I am pursuing at college will enable me to earn some money from my home if necessary. I love it at home. I'm not at my boss's beck and call (actually, my beloved mother and father are my bosses, which is great) and I have flexibility to do my work as I see best. I have three paying jobs outside of the home and they are a great drain on me. I would love to be able to do all my work at home.

Lydia said...

This young man has consented to let me give his email address to those who wish to contact him personally. (I need to remind daughters at home to allow their fathers to do the contacting.)

Anonymous said...

Dearest Lady Lydia,

AS per your request, here's my ten cents' worth re living a home centred life.

I fall into the 'married without children' category of home maker as cannot have little ones. Nearing 38, I became fully convinced of this path less than 2 years ago. I've been blessed that God has ordered my life in such a way that financials haven't been too great a difficulty to my husband and I.

I have, lets say, three quarters support from my husband in this endeavour. At his request, I am continuing my studies 10 hours per week at a local Christian university (thankfully, this course does not acrew the crippling costs so many other courses incur). I would love to be done with it; though, in honour of his request and the fact this does not muscle into homemaking time to the point that it comes first, I submit to his wishes and God is blessing me thus. Also, I am no longer being driven by him to pursue career - prayer and standing my ground over the past year or so has paid divvidends. I have also been blessed with the promise that when this study is complete, I will be left in peace re this calling of truly 100% home; not 90% or even 95% (as is my current situation, my fear is that my own position may mark me as being seen as not genuine re matters of the home, somehow no longer welcome or a part of some fifth column. On the other hand, I give thanks to God that He has seen fit to order my life that I can enjoy home far more than many (even my Christian sisters here in Australia) are able and that I am home for my husband and am able to make his life that much more pleasant seeing as he works shiftwork in a demanding industry - to be able to create a buffer from the madness of the work sphere makes his job that bit more bearable as he's able to come home to a clean home, something nice for supper and a quiet atmosphere...I made it clear that anything that took away from my ability to provide such would be ousted immediately. many men of his generation grew up to believe in the big-government vvision of the late 60's and 70's; I am prayerfully thankful for the latitude I have (as so many women who would like it are still dealing with the results of (in all innocence) living the formula that we were taught in our youth and that our parents were taught in many cases). my father for one still is dead set on seeing me go into a career and has no time for conservative Christianity; 1 Peter 3, again, though it is hard. I simply quietly say that I'm not after that type of life and wish to follow a better, saner way (with a smile). My late mother was a diferent kettle of fish, bless her soul.

Well, I have once more rambled on rather a lot. Myprayers are with you all wherever you find yourselves upon the path of home. My prayers are also for Lady Lydia mingled with infinite gratitude for giving of her time, her strength and her vision in the face of hostility both from the physical world and the electronic world. One thing I do see (especially in my sisters in law and wives of my husband's friends is a deep sense of betrayal, bitterness and hollow longing that comes from exposure to the worlds's system, a rejection of god's truth in exchange for feminism and deep hurt whose solution (surrender into the waiting embrace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ via faith in His will, word and grace) is ignored in favour of remaining angry at God, unbelieving and resentful. In this country, even those brought up in Christian homes were never given the strength and tools of faith to deal with suffering, loss and the like. Plus the seeming hypocracy of the clergy during the 50's, 60's and 70's simply serves to add insult to injury. Great dollops of mesandry don't help either (hate of men).

It is in the generations of young people being raised in loving, healthy strong, faithful Christian families that we can trust - that God is raising up generations who will heal society one family at a time through God's leading. They're women of Lady Lydia's generation and more importantly (if only for the numbers) the generations after and those infants being born to young Godly men and women in their 20's right now. The pendulum will swing - it always does - regardless of how close Jesus' return is. Look at the Victorians who followed the licencious society of the georgian and Regency eras... reving faith, modesty, godliness and the importance of the home in a frighteningly changing world. The enemy would have us believe we're done for; it is he who is done for however; and has been so since the Cross, the Open Tomb and Jesus' assention into Heaven.

Blessings,

Mrs. E.,
Australia.

candy said...

In response to Lady Lydias question about why we are stay at home moms/wifes etc.. I would like to share why I am a "stay at home Wife"..
I feel very thankful to be a "stay at home wife". I am 33 years old. I got married to a great guy when I was 20. We have one child, a 10 year old son. Before our son started school I was a stay at home mom. We decided to put him in a semi private Christian school and so since he began school, my husband and I decided I should remain at home and be a stay at home wife for several reasons. If I was working, it would be very difficult to keep up the home the way I keep it up now. My husband is actually proud of the fact that he can provide so that I dont have to work. We both believe that its scriptural for women to 'work' at home. Home is their work.
We have a simple home- nothing showy or extravagent, but yet its pretty. Infact, we dont have a house, we bought a condominium suite. There's many perks to living in a secured building like this..one being that it was much more reasonable than buying a house. So its all about choices. We could have bought a house. INfact a few years back we built our dream home but sold it after 6 months because we wanted to live more simply and humble. Anyone can be a stay at home wife or mom if they wanted...they may have to cut back on some things but I wouldnt trade my life for anyones. I wouldnt even want a big house.I like that I can keep up our small home.
Being at home I also have the opportunity to show other women my home and how I keep it up and how I manage it and everything runs smoothly because Im home. I think its really important that stay at home wifes show others their home and show them how great it is to be at home all day.
I get to clean my home, decorate, sew, cook, bake, schedule, and I love it. Its fun! I wish all women knew how fun it is to be a stay at home wife. I schedule in breaks in my day to blog on my computer about my day as well as learn decorating ideas and other household tips and encouragement from other women around the word.
I never miss an appointment or someones birthday because Im able to be really organized.
I really *love* my life. Im thankful that my husband is actually proud of the fact that he has a stay at home wife. Our son loves that Im always home too. They can always count on me. Even our neighbours know that they can count on me being around if they need anything. Its a really wonderful feeling knowing that what your doing is actually a blessing.
I actually think more and more women will end up chosing to be stay at home wives once see they see and realize how awesome it is!
I would encourage all stay at home moms/wifes to invite your friends over to your home and show them what you do and how great it is. They often dont realize how good it is to be at home. I think if they did, more would chose this lifestyle for sure.
Thanks for letting me share a little about my life,

Candy :)

Anonymous said...

Such wonderful comments.

I've been having a tough week this week, and this is just what I needed to read. We just moved to a new town and I am back at the beginning.

In my old town, I had a nice group of friends who were mothers and shared the same values of me regarding being home. We met once a week for coffee and cookies for the children. It was such a boon to my spirit. I met them through a class, mind you.

And now I am back to square one again. So I think, maybe this neighborhood will be different! Maybe there will be a few women home during the day! Not to be. We've met everyone on the block so far, lots of very nice moms and children, BUT all of the women work. This is a really nice neighborhood, beautiful houses (ours is the plainest by far!), but what is the point?

The houses are empty all day. Even the dogs just sit at the big windows looking out, pining for their owners. Everyone can afford their own private swingset (even though there is a perfectly good park right at the end of the block), but they are the loneliest swingsets you'll ever see.

Why do these people even have pets, never mind children? Because they don't want to miss out on anything, don't want to make any sacrifice, they want it all.

I take the dog on a nice walk daily at 5:30 p.m. when my husband returns home and there is still nary a light on to be seen as dusk is falling.

My heart was heavy this week. It's hard to feel like such an outsider. How could people see things so differently, how can they bear to be separated from their small children all day? It's almost as if the houses themselves are crying out in loneliness.

~Ann

Anonymous said...

The comments above have been absolutely wonderful and heartening to me. I have one other comment I wanted to share.

Just because a woman comes into the world completely immersed in feminism does not mean she will embrace the lifestyle forever. I was born in the 60's and grew up in the 70's. It was a confusing time to grow up. My mom was a stay-at-home mom, and my family was traditional. That was "normal" to me. As time went on, my family began to embrace the culture. As a result, my mom started working, my parents divorced, and I was taught to frown upon homemaking and mothering as something to aspire to (I hadn't really wanted to do anything else, but I learned it was "wrong"). I became absolutely career driven starting around age 13. I went through college trying to talk myself into all these ideas I was being taught. I remember going to a lecture by Phyllis Schlafly my freshman year. I thought she was right, but no one else did. I sat quietly while the audience mocked her. On the way back to our dorm, I was surrounded by "can you believe her?" and "what a *****!" I was ashamed that I didn't get it. What was wrong with me? By the time I was ready for marriage, I didn't believe I had the right to expect my husband to take care of me. Thankfully, I married a nice man!

At 41, I laugh and cry at all that foolishness. I have finally gotten to a place where I can be home. I have 3 children, 7, 5 and 6 months. My husband and I have been married 15 years. I look back at the life we could have had if I had decided to quit work and dote on my husband instead. My husband would be happier, our home would be in order, my children would have a more stable environment, and I might possibly have more children (believe me when I tell you how shocked I was to find myself pregnant at 40 - what a blessing!).

The nice thing is that it's not too late. I'm still working part-time, but I am only gone one day per week. This is to help pay off all the debt we accumulated in our 20's and 30's trying to fill the Jesus-shaped hole in our lives. I worked 5 days a week until my baby was born in August. Now, I spend my days doing a little organizing here and there as I'm able to. I also homeschool my son. My daughter attends public school, but we plan to pull her out at the end of 2nd grade. I am enjoying putting menus together and helping improve the health of my family. For a long time, we lived on fast food, because I was too busy to cook!

In spite of all the cultural garbage going around, God still works on families. Some take longer to figure it out than others, but there's always hope.

Anonymous said...

As a note to your friend's friend, he may be glad to know that it is incredibly unlikely that the female anatomy will change to the extent that we become a unisex race by 2050. :)

You said that you "seldom see a woman nowadays who is willing to stay home with their children". On the contrary, Sir, new statistics say that only 5% wish to work full time instead of stay with their children.

I can assure you that your concerns are indeed unfounded, and encourage you by saying that I think the worst of the feminist agenda is over.

Lorna, UK.

Anonymous said...

For Ambactus,
I am a former feminist, though it was completely unintentional. I think a lot of women grow up steeped in this feministic culture, and just accept it as the way things are, without questioning or thinking about it. That was the case in my situation.
Growing up in school it was just expected that girls would grow up to have careers. Secretly I always wanted to be a homemaker though I was ashamed to admit it, and I thought something must be wrong with me.
My father always told me NOT to grow up to be like my "lazy mother", who stayed home most of my childhood but was made to run an in home daycare until my father divorced her and married his very young secretary. He told me to make something of myself via having a career. True to his wishes, I was sent off 3 states away to go to school three days after my 18th birthday. I was never aloud to return home (to live)again. I think this makes a young woman feel very vulnerable and alone, like no one out there will look after her but herself. This definitely contributed to my feminist minset.
I tell you this because I would like to encourage you as a man and possible future father to raise your daughters to adore Godly womanhood. You have a chance to change the world with your own life and your future family. You can raise your daughters to be proud of their God-given femininity, and your sons to be Godly men who take dominion and lead and support their families.
If every man who feels as you do would purpose in his heart to live his life swimming against the feminist tide, one family at a time, they can change the world.
I highly recommend the following websites to you for Godly encouragement and direction:
www.VisionForum.com and www.visionforumministries.org
(These sites are dedicated to the biblical restoration of the family.)
www.cbmw.org
(This is the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.)
www.generationswithvision.com
(This is Kevin Swanson's phenominal site, click on Broadcasts and you can download and listen to any topic for free.)
www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com
(Click on "Responsible Manhood" for encouraging articles.)
www.visionarydaughters.com
(You can order a DVD here or from Vision Forum called "Return of the Daughters" for a beautiful vision of how to raise your future daughters!
In conclusion, by God's grace alone, I am now living out my girlhood dream of being a happy wife and home educating mother of five. My husband fully supports biblical manhood and biblical femininity and we are raising our children with this mindset. There are many families out there like ours, especially in the home educating community. You are not alone, Ambactus. I have prayed for you and for your future wife and family. Be encouraged!
Julie

Rosemary UK said...

We are indeed in the last days!!Things are happening just as fortold in Revelations.It is so heartening to read so many wonderful comments.

Julie said...

Dear Lady Lydia,
This is in response to your poll concerning why women stay home.
I am a 37 year old Christian, have been married for approximately 15 years to my high school sweetheart, have five children from 13 to 13 months, and have homeschooled the whole time.
I stay home because we believe it is best for the family, and that God commands that women be keepers at home. (I realise that this is not always possible.)
I thank God that he allows this to be possible in our family! I LOVE being a keeper at home! I feel blessed beyond belief, happy, secure, and extremely fulfilled in this role. I know that I am fulfilling God's purpose for my life and I take joy in that!
Because I am home, I am able to help my husband with whatever he needs, I am able to be creative with the home, holidays, cooking, decorating, etc. I am able to be a constant presence in the home for the children. I do not miss any firsts with the children, or seconds, thirds, etc.
I take joy in being a woman, and am trying to dress and behave in a more feminine and becoming manner than in the past. (The more I see the lines blurred between men and women, the more feminine I want to be.) My sons ask me to wear dresses and be a "pretty mommy" more often. They react very positively to these things.
I am free to do spontaneous things on occassion, like take the children exploring along the beach on a beautiful day.
My sons can call me outside to look at the new lizard they found, or to observe the Great Blue Heron who visits the pond.
I can have "GirlTime" with my 13 year old, and have time to listen to her and to disciple her. She knows how to cook, knit and crochet, and I plan to teach her some beginning sewing skills this next summer. We also have plans to plant a veggie patch and a few fruit trees to care for together.
Because I am home taking care of the necessities here, this frees my husband to take the boys fishing or to work on his classic car restoration.
I can put an apron on my tiny girl and show her all of the things I do around the house, while she eagerly "helps".
If there is a neighbor in need, I am always home, many times the only one home in the neighborhood.
Being home is an absolute blessing and I wouldn't have it ANY other way!
The only thing I would change if I could is the fact that my neighborhood is so empty all day. It would be nice to look out the kitchen window and see a light on somewhere if you know what I mean! Thanks for letting me share with you!
Julie

Anonymous said...

Well, I am a young lady staying at home with my parents; and if the Lord brings the right man into my life, I do intend to marry and keep staying at home. ( If I never marry, I'll just keep staying with my parents.)
The Bible says we ladies are to be discreet and keepers at home. That's the first and foremost reason for staying at home. What's more discreet than staying home and shutting the door in the face of the evil of this world? We ladies can be queens and princesses in our little household realms, nurturing and loving our families and keeping sin and temptation out as much as possible. It's one of the best protective measures we can take, after trusting in God. To rob a house, you have to tie up the strong man. To brainwash kids, you have to put the mom as well as the dad into the workforce, so that parents have to stick the future generation into government schools for indoctrination--excuse me, education. (Yes, I'm homeschooled!)
So here's my reason in a nutshell: because the Lord commands it and because it's one of the best ways to keep secular society from tyrranizing over the family.
I'd also like to thank all the other encouraging, godly commenters on this blog, as well as Lady Lydia. It's so good to know my parents and I aren't the only ones who resent secular society trying to make itself the authority on morals, men's and women's roles, children, etc.
--Christine from Arizona

Somphis said...

Thanks for the responses,
It has been written that impostors and wicked men would wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived but that they will only go so far until their hypocrisy is exposed.
I do firmly believe that such trends as these came about very gradually (through the centuries, read Plato's republic and you will see the root of it all) and came to its diabolical fruition just recently. It is because of the transgressions of our predecessors that the posterity has to bear this great stigma. But at the same time, nothing occurs apart from God's will and let us take solace in the fact that these ephemeral fads are only transient, since anyone who revolts against mother nature (who was created by God) will retaliate and and no longer tolerate the men who have been mistreating her.
But why is it that the feminists ignore to see all that? I suppose looking after their careers and interests take precedence over truth, reality and the fact that their endless militant policies are doing more harm to humanity than good.
God bless you,

Ambactus (real name Leo)

Tracy said...

Lady Lydia, in response to your poll on staying at home, I am a stay at home mum to three children.

I stay at home with our children for a number of reasons. Firstly though I was blessed to marry a man who willingly agreed when I said, right at the beginning, that when we had children I wanted to stay home and raise them. Eleven and a half years down the track and in the face of a society that tells women that careers are more important than homes, I would now describe my SAHM life as my career choice.

I could never see the point of bearing children, only to hand them off to someone else to raise. It is my God-given responsibility to teach my children to live in His ways. That would also mean that I would perpetuate the role of women in the workforce, as it is mostly women in the child care industry.

My being at home also allows my husband to be completely focused on his business (he is self employed), knowing that everything at home is being taken care of. He doesn't have to come home & cook meals or clock watch to pick children up from school. We don't have to argue over who will pick up sick children from school because 'my job is more important than yours'.

We have our children in a Christian Parent-Controlled school. I spend about 2 hours per week in each child's classroom as a parent-helper. Whilst homeschooling isn't something that we will be taking on, I am able to have a strong input into my children's education because our school welcomes parents in all aspects of the school's life. My husband is on the board of directors and his his input in that way.

I hope that the young gentleman who contacted you has been heartened to know that those of us who choose 'careers at home' are not so few as he would believe.

bran said...

I stay at home with my 4 children (a 5th in the "oven") first b/c I met the most unusual, yet wonderful man in college (I was planning on a career you see) and as we began to love each other he was clear that his wife would stay home and do the important job of child-rearing.

It's preferable than a career for so many reasons. Number one, because God says it's right. I am bearing children and guiding the house. I believe God does and will bless obedience. I couldn't be happier about my life choice.

Jenny said...

Why I am a housewife?

Because God gave me a husband, a child, and a home to care for and it would be irresponsible of me to allow someone else to care for them.

Why I teach my child?

I know my child the best of any human on earth. I alone know what methods work to teach him. I care for my child more than any human on earth. I'm not teaching him for a paycheck, but rather for his well-being. My motives are selfless, pure, and for his own good. He is only 2.5, and I'm praying that by the time Kindergarten nears, my husband will see how wonderfully our child has flourished and will consent to my homeschooling our child.

My mother was a full-time homemaker for 10 years. My grandmothers were homemakers only until their children were school age and after retirement. My grandmothers relish being home after retirement, and I often wonder if they both would have been happier at home full-time forever. I haven't the courage to ask, as I fear they might take it as disrespect. My only example of full-time housewifery was my husband's grandmother. Grandma never worked outside the home. As a girl, she "worked" at home. Her mother ran a boarding house from their home and Grandma and her sisters learned to be excellent homekeepers. Grandpap was a factory worker, and even during his frequent lay-offs or strikes, Grandma never worked outside the home. According to my mother-in-law, Grandma was an excellent homekeeper. I wish I had known Grandma better.

Polly said...

As for whether I stay home and why....

I'm one of the least likely candidates for staying home. my mother worked, more out of necessity than choice (my parents divorced when I was very young due to an issue that was not my mother's fault). but--she worked. I *NEVER* considered staying home with my children, b/c it wasn't what I knew, when I was in college. But once I did ask my mom about it, and she said she would have loved to have stayed home with us. That really changed my perspective--she valued something, and she couldn't have it.

anyhow, I had no model for staying home, b/c my mother did not. I graduated from college, got married, got a master's degree, and went to law school. So I'm an attorney. And somewhere along the line I knew that once we started out family I would not be working, at least not full-time. Working in a law firm full time confirmed this suspicion. I was able to work it out so that I worked from home for 2.5 years. When we had our son last June, I took a lot of time off and am only now "working" from home about 3-5 hours a week.

There is absolutely NO financial reason for me to stay home. All cost calculations would put me at work, because my earning potential (and full time salary) was so high. Even if I had a full time nanny, dry cleaned everything I owned, had a housekeeper, etc I would STILL turn a tidy profit by working.

The reason I stay home is because it feels so right. At the end of the day, I have to follow my heart (which is what my wise mother advised). That's certainly not to say working women do not follow their hearts--most of my friends work. But for me, this is the right choice.

I've never felt the need to defend my not working. I did not go into debt for my education--full scholarship to graduate school and paid every penny of my law school education as I went, so I am indebted to no one financially for those choices. (If I'd had to take out loans for law school, I likely would not have attended.) It's what is best for us, and that's enough for me.

I did not have any model of homemaking when I started out and am constantly learning new things. (and laughing when people say 'what do you DO all day?'--although no one is bold enough to ask that directly of me, it has been implied in some conversations....) I have had to learn on my own how to run a household, cook, bake, etc. I've just taught myself to knit and embroider, and am about to learn to sew. I believe these are lost arts, and it is so enjoyable to cook a delicious, healthy meal...bake beautiful cakes...have a house clean and tidy....knit little treats...

this life v. the 80 hour workweeks of my former life? easy choice.

I also love that staying home affords us a much more relaxed lifestyle. There's no rushing around, overscheduling, juggling of who will pick up the baby at daycare, etc. At the end of the day, my husband and I can both relax, rather than catch up on chores/housework, which we both really appreciate.

Leaving my 'career' in the law was actually easy, as I identify myself more with family rather than a 'career.' But learning how to run a household from scratch was a real challenge, and I've enjoyed it.

Plus, I get to kiss the baby whenever the mood strikes.

Anonymous said...

#1-"If you are staying home with your children and teaching them, write and tell us why you think it is preferable to career outside the home."

#2-"If your mother and grandmothers before you were homemakers, write something about them, too."

#1- I am now a full-time homemaker because of becoming a Christian and reading this site and others like it (LAF esp.) and hearing Dr.Laura Schlessinger talk about how bad day care is for children. I spent twenty years in the Marine Corps so this is quite a change for me. I can see in how my children behave and how much more peaceful I am than I used to be that this is a better way.

#2-My mother was a full-time homemaker and I remember fondly my early years because she was home when we were and always provided a tidy house and excellent "homey" meals for us.

Mrs.McG

Anonymous said...

Dearest Lady Lydia and fellow readers,

Here I am again; my third comment for this article.

Yesterday, the Rudd govt. here in Australia announced the formation of a 2020 consultative body. This body is proposed to be made up of a thousand representitives of this nation's brightest and most innovative minds to advise upon ten areas of national development (Ecconomy, Indigenous affairs, water & resource management democracy & political transparency, Film & the Arts etc). Mr. Rudd specifically stated he did not wish to utilize the 'usual suspects' to fulfil these roles but will open these vacancies up to the Australian greater public. Why, I hear you ask, is this relevant to the Christian homemaker's sphere? the answer is simple.

Two of the ten areas of consultation are to be 'Population' and 'Community Development/Family Support'. With a hundred individuals chosen to guide these separate arenas over the next 12 years, there is a real opportunity for decent representation on behalf of the traditional Biblical family, gender roles and the benefit to the health of society for the 'old paths' to be seriously considered if our nation is to genuinely flourish. Additionally, the only way authentic objective dialogue can be achieved on these matters at the heart of a nation's development is if points of view are offered by those able to stand up for them in a way that is credible, articulate and experienced - an Australian equivalent of Phylis Schlafly for instance presenting them would lend significant weight to this grossly misrepresented way for life). Lady Lydia, why can't you be an aussie gal????? your imput would be of immeasurable value!.

Older women of maturity and experience in an appropriate season of life (accompanied by their husbands of course) would make ideal spokeswomen - after all, who is more familliar with a topic, problem or challenge than one who has spent all their lives living inaa system antithetical to their family aspirations.

I truly believe this is a golden opportunity for the homemaking movement to stand up for their future rights - those of being able to raise their families free of the constraints that post modern government and ecconomy imposes and seeks to impose down the track. They will also be able to stand up for what are the foundational principles of vital importance underpinning this ideology and why it holds such potential for the tearing socio-ecconomic fabric of our communities and families here in Contemporary (and tomorrow's) Australia. if enough stand up, then true, posative change may result. I believe God is presenting a once in a lifetime opportunity to influence for good in a culture so terribly bad. homemakers and representitives of the Biblicallly visionary family can also cross over into othe other eight realms (those listed above plus health services, regional and rural development etc as it is the family that will be working in all these areas from labourers to scientists to engineers to ecconomists and community representatives.

The Australian govt. Website
http://www.australia.gov.au/
Will be the best place to keep watch over for further proceedings concerning any developments re this plan of consultation.

let's actually strike out on the front foot for a change and stand for truth in this truthless world - making a difference for our children and theirs.

Blessings,

Mrs. E.,
Australia.
PS: for those who believe such action is anti Christian/Biblical, there is nothing to stop husbands representing their families or widows (where there is no husband or women themselves with the support and leadership of their husbands). On a more philosophical level, remember Joseph, Daniel and Esther; we are strangers and foreigners in this world that over the past 50 years in particular has abandoned God and His precepts.

Laurel said...

Dear Lady Lydia,
I thought I would contribute if it isn't too late to answer why I stay at home. My mother stayed at home to raise my two older brothers and me, but when I was 13 my parents divorced and I was basically on my own when she went to work. My mother is not a believer but always said that she never wanted other people to raise us and wouldn't even put us in preschool. When I married at 20, I determined that I would also be home with my children because I always loved being home with my mother. So it was that I stayed home with all five of my children. I homeschooled two of them for short periods. They also attended Christian school and public school. I always think that if they had been homeschooled, they would be serving the Lord. Only my two daughters do right now and I am not real certain about my three sons even though they accepted Jesus when they were little. They are wonderful young men (aged 21 to 28), but if I wonder about their relationship to Jesus, that would probably mean that they don't have much of one.
I have read few comments from ladies who have raised their children and have continued to stay at home. I am in that group and it is lonely here. I have gone out to work at part time jobs to be around others, but I always return because:

I believe home is where God wants me according to scripture.

I don't like to be a servant (employee) to anyone else but God and my husband.

I love freedom to come and go.
I don't want to ask permission to visit my six grandchildren or spend a day with my husband.

I love to be able to take a nap when I am tired.

I love the opportunity to clean my home and make dinner unhindered and with my own timetable.

I enjoy spending an hour or so exercising every day or taking my dog on a walk.

I am always able to go and help out any of my kids when they call and ask. (Keeping in mind that they live in different states).

I can talk on the phone anytime my children call and have questions concerning their children or their marriages or just want to chat.

I can make dresses and nightgowns for my granddaughters and nursing shawls for my nursing daughters as often as I like and is requested of me.

I can spend all day gardening when the spring finally arrives.

I can hang the laundry out to dry during the day in the nice warm sunshine. (And grab a few rays for me as well.)

I can run errands and go grocery shopping on a day other than a weekend day when the stores are crowded.

Maybe I should end this, because I could go on and on. My husband and I have been married 31 years and I have been so very blessed to stay home. He would support me in whatever I wanted to do because he spoils me, but he would prefer me to stay home so that I can be free to eat lunch with him every day and go places with him on his days off. I just don't understand why their aren't more women like me.

Anonymous said...

Ambactus, do not despair, the world cannot change biology.

Find some people who have your same viewpoints. Hang out at the places where they are. Work at this and do not give up. Pray that our Lord will direct you to a like minded group. Go to drlaura.com, and read the Letters from Listeners. (Dr. Laura is very traditional.

And begin praying for your future spouse right now.

Also, stop reading the secular news. It's depressing.

We love you, and are happy YOU are a traditional male! Alleluia!

Mrs. CJ said...

In this world you will have trouble, but do not fear for I have overcome the world.

Mrs. CJ said...

I tend toward fear in this age and in light of the news that is around me. I stay away from it (or try to). We are to think on whatsoever things are true, noble, pure, etc. and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Our fearful thoughts need to be fought as in war with a sword (His Word). One thought is to pick a verse to memorize and keep it in your pocket. When your thoughts tend toward fear or worry, start rehearsing that scripture verse in your mind (or out loud) and really work on it. This will keep your thoughts on "things above."

"Finally, my bretheren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle agasint flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darknessof this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the eveil day, and having done all to stand." Eph. 6:10-13

catholicmontessori said...

There are encouraging trends in a lot of ways, so I would not despair. This has probably already been mentioned already, but someone has already pointed out that homeschooling is now an accepted fact, unlike the days when parents risked imprisonment to educate their children at home. Now we have HSLDA and have become "mainstream" so to speak. We can't be persecuted anymore except by the nosy neighbor who goes on and on about how our children will be scarred for life due to our lifestyle, and that's only annoying, not threatening.

Again, if you have noticed your neighborhoods and other things recently, more and more college-educated women, with careers no less, are starting to stay home with their children because they know that they want the best for their children, and only they can give it. I have a neighbor who is definitely not like me at all (quite liberal) but nevertheless she stayed home with her little girl until she started school. Even now her work hours are situated so she is only working during her daughter's school hours. Stay-home mothers are now cutting through every strata of society.

Another thing that is encouraging is the fact that more and more women are beginning to see that abortion is an intrinsic evil. At least that is the trend I find. Also, more doctors are refusing to perform abortions, including those who have in the past. With the advent of the 3-D ultrasound, I have known several women who have now said they could never, ever do such a thing after actually seeing their infant in the womb. Of course, they still practice all kinds of other perversity, but at least a seed has been planted, and they can repent and come to the mercy of Our Lord.

Other encouraging trends are coming to light as well, particularly in my own church. I am a Catholic, and the young people are refusing the "modernization" of our Rites, and are grateful to Pope Benedict XVI for his revival of our former Rites. My husband and I are overjoyed that now we can attend our local parishes and find our old Latin Rite with the solid orthodox education for the children in their Sacramental preparation classes.

Anonymous said...

As far as your concern over humans evolving into being unisex beings over the next 20-30 years, I would have to say that this is impossible. Humans are still born with an appendix, an organ with the sole purpose of digesting cellulose. Other animals, such as cows and koalas, use this organ to digest cellulose, but humans cannot.

Depending on your personal interpretation of how long ago God created the earth, say, 7000 or 8000 years, humans have not lost the presence of this organ even though the purpose has been lost. Since the organs that make a man a man and a woman a woman are clearly in use, it is doubtful that within 30 years the organs of every human would be able to mutate into a unisex state, since a useless organ like your appendix is still hanging around 7000 years later.

Bottom line: it isn't going to happen any time soon.