Nathalie Bowman
It seems silly to bring this up. After all, women are more free in this day and age than in any other time in history. But has the “freedom” of women really made them more free? The Women’s Liberation movement freed women’s bodies (“the bikini meant new freedom for women” was a quote I read on a plaque describing the history of women’s bathing suits at the Santa Cruz, CA boardwalk), promoted free sex with the advent of easy access to birth control, the killing of babies through the legalization of abortion, put women in the workplace in higher numbers on a more permanent basis, and left children to wonder if they even mattered, as their mothers tried to find fulfillment outside the home. Are women really happy because they’ve been freed?
Is there an innate, instinctive longing, deep in the heart of a woman, to nurture, love and support those around her? If so, how is it beneficial for society to teach young girls that motherhood is not only not enough, but not even a worthy goal? If you were to ask the average teen girl in American high school if motherhood is in their future, a select few would say “yes,” but the vast majority would likely say they want to have careers, travel, and freedom to do what they want, so why would they want to be bogged down with a husband and children? Maybe later on in life, after they’ve done all these other wonderful things. So these girls grow up, stay single, hook up with guys, use birth control and abortion to enable themselves to have many sexual partners, go to college and have careers, travel the world, and live according to their whims. Are they truly happy? What about that instinct deep inside to nurture and love? To connect and serve? Could it be possible the things that women deny when they reject motherhood are the very things they are searching for, but they don’t even know it? Things like commitment, love, dedication?
Though motherhood can be draining and exhausting at times (taking care of little ones and worrying about bigger ones takes a lot of energy), is there anything better than sticky kisses from a beautiful child who loves and trusts you? Being a dedicated mother, even sacrificing for one’s children can be deeply fulfilling, and is a gift to society at large. Mothers who dedicate their time, talents, and love to their families raise children who are responsible adults with good character who want to raise families of their own and continue the cycle for which families were designed. Mothers age into grandmothers, and it becomes a joy to watch the next generation of parents love and nurture their children.
Mothering, grand-mothering, and nurturing families with love is true freedom for women. It connects us as women with that divine nurturing inside which brings the ultimate peace and happiness as we serve and love our families. It’s challenging for sure, but oh, so worth it. Enjoy your family today!