Clarification

I feel the need to qualify a couple of things written in my last post.

1. I, in no way, shape, or form consider myself to be a better mother than those who work and mother. As I stated in the last post, I recognize the challenges they face and the struggles of balancing both. I understand that some situations force that option, so I empathize with these women, especially those who want to stay home but cannot. But, I especially feel for single mothers who bear the entire burden of being both provider and nurturer all alone - - that is a test unlike any other. For myself, I have much still to learn about being a mother, and if my post came across as “me better than them” - - I apologize, for that certainly was not my intention, nor my goal. My husband and I have simply chosen God’s original design for the family to raise our children and following God’s way is always right and will always reap the most benefits for all involved. Anything else can work, but it is less than ideal and creates additional trials. I will always champion mothers who choose to stay home and for that I make no apologies; it is a sacrifice well worth making.

2. For the record: When I urge and refer to “mothers staying home” - - I am mostly referring to the developmentally fundamental time with children who are not yet of school age - - under 5. I have studied lots of “experts” (both Christian and secular) and the majority of them agree that “…the single biggest influence on a child is the quality of care he received in infancy and toddler days. During those early formative years, a child’s character begins to be fashioned.” AND “The parent’s presence creates an atmosphere in which unique family values and moral principles can be instilled in children. Children who spend most of their time with nonparental caregivers tend to develop the values and lifestyle of the one with whom they are spending the most time.” (Patterson, 115, 59) This is why I believe, so strongly, in mothers and mothering. By age 4, the stage has been set for a child’s future success or failure in life. I, personally, want all responsibility for the values that my children will adopt and for the kind of character they will display, and I know that no one, no matter how much I respect them, will be able to give my child the kind of love, attention, and moral guidance that I, their mother, should be able to. I chose these precious lives for the joys and rewards they would bring. Should I then abdicate the daily supervision and direction of their lives to someone else’s judgment when it is not necessary? For me, I will not.

3. Father’s play an equally important role in a child’s life, but that’s another hot topic for another pregnant-off-the-beam day.

4. Just as you are each allowed to have “beef” with me and my statements, I am allowed to take my very strong sentiments and worry about Sarah Palin’s choice of running for V.P. at this time, and if it can truly be what’s ideal and best for her young, needy baby. Like I said before, if her children were all school-aged or, better yet, teenagers, then I wouldn’t have nearly the concern as I do. I have heard people mention that her running for V.P. is for the greater good of the country because of what she stands for. I can only state that God is in control of the greater good of our country and he will ultimately direct events in history to fulfill his word. His primary concern is for each of us to be individually obedient to him. I do not pretend to know the will of God for Mrs. Palin’s life, but I do know what God says his best is for each and every child, born and unborn - - to have a loving, nurturing home where every child can grow in the safety and knowledge of caring concern and where their physical, mental, and emotional needs are met and can be translated into what’s most important, a spiritual connection and understanding of God and form a lasting relationship with him, living, then, not for oneself or one’s ambition, but to bring honor and glory to the one who breathed his breath of life into every creature.