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To
Work Outside the Home Or Not, That is the Question.
By Teresa Bell Kindred
(This article was
written when I was teaching. I retired in 1995 to devote more
time to my family and writing)
As a working mother of five children I struggle daily with my
choice to work outside the home. I love teaching but often the
stress and strain of being 'over committed' cause me to question
my decision. I know there are those that disagree with me but I
feel a woman's decision to have a family and a career is a very
personal choice and one that should not be criticized by others.
With today's financial demands
on the family it is extremely hard for two parents to make ends
meet. In a single parent home it is even harder. Whether a woman
works outside the home or not she still has obligations to her
children. These obligations are more difficult when a mother is
tired and stressed beyond her limitations. As individuals we
must take a close look at our lives and ask ourselves if we are
doing what God would have us do as Christian parents? Are church
and the Lord first in our lives? Is my home a safe haven of rest
for my children? Am I giving them all the love and support they
need to
make the tough choices they will have to make in today's world?
There are no guarantees with children. Children of mother's who
never worked outside the home make mistakes and stray from God,
as well as those of working parents. Instead of pointing fingers
at women who work outside the home, maybe we should take a
closer look at our own lives. I was in a gift shop the other day
and stumbled on this poem.
Can I Be Like You, Mom?
Mom, if I can be the
parent you were,
The kind of parent who knows for sure
A child's future will soon be his past,
And each moment together may be the last.
A parent who teaches a quality of life
and listens patiently during times of turmoil and strife.
These are the traits I wish my children to see.
Like you, I want them to have the best of me.
Was there a guiding angel perched on your shoulder?
Or, did you become wiser as I became older?
I want you to know I like what I see,
The part of your character that is in me.
And, should you ever doubt your purpose on earth,
I hope you can look at me to count your worth.
Kathryn D. Hayes
Whether you work outside the home or are a full time mom, never
doubt your worth. A Christian Mother touches the future in a way
that will be felt for as long as the world exists.
Don’t Be a
Diamond in the Darkness
By
Teresa Bell Kindred
Imagine for a
moment that someone just gave you a new diamond ring. The stone is
large and the clarity is perfect. It’s extremely valuable and very
eye-catching. You put it on your finger and hold your hand out
for everyone to see and admire your new gift.
Now imagine that
the person who gave you the ring tells you that you are never
allowed to take the ring out of a dark room. That’s right, a room
so dark and black that you can’t see your hand in front of your
face, a room totally void of light.
In the darkness a
diamond is just another rock, but if light were to suddenly come
into that room then your diamond would sparkle and shine.
Brothers and sisters, without Christ we are diamonds in a dark
room. We cannot shine without His light.
When we walk with
Christ His love is reflected in us and then we shine
and sparkle so brightly that others see us and want what we have,
and what we have is the gospel. The Good News that Jesus died for
our sins and is coming back for us.
Luke 11:36
- [In
Context]
If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then
your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight is shining
on you."
Live your life like you are a diamond and the
floodlight of Jesus is shining down on you!
This article is copyrighted by the author. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted without permission of the author.
©Copyright 2001
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