Both of my parents worked outside the home in non-Christian environments. I learned a great deal from watching my parents contend with non-believers in the workplace. I chronicled a little bit of my observation in my poem to my mother upon her retirement.
Today, Mom has posted an excellent blog entry on how we believers should be light and salt out in the world and not cluster into our own little Christian bubbles. I hope you’ll check it out!
I was very proud of Mom’s observations, and as always, proud to call her as my mom. I agree with her 100% and not JUST BECAUSE I’m her daughter, but because I’ve experienced this first-hand.
4 comments:
First off, I love the poem. I know some people feel differently, but Christian moms who work outside the home are rarely portrayed in a positive light. At most there's a grudging "a few women HAVE to work, but there's no excuse for anyone else" kind of mentality. I had one friend say to me, "Do you think when your daughter [I had only one at the time] goes to college, she'll look back and thank you for the fact that you worked or for your mothering?" Well, hopefully BOTH.
Working outside the home can be a wonderful opportunity in many ways, not the least of which is, as your mom writes, being salt and light. One of our former pastors said, "You may be the only Bible some people ever read." So true.
There's a book called Roaring Lambs that I bet you'd like. It's about getting out in the world and making a difference. Too many Christians take the "stick your head in the sand" approach to life.
I liked your poem, and even more, I love your mom! Both your mom and dad were such good examples of being lights in a dark world. I love the fact that God gave me a job where I can be a testimony, every day, to people who will not see God in to many other faces. In a recent study with Beth Moore, she said, "I really think God puts the stronger Christians in the world to shine as lights. He really needs us there!" I pray we all are that!
You are too kind to an OLD RETIRED lady! Love you and loved the poem you did for my retirement. Love you always, Mom
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