Homey, not homely

The children and I have been enjoying the video series "Homestead Blessings". Today we were watching the sewing portion.

These creative shows are nothing like what is typically shown on TV--they are a breath of fresh air--compared to what I have watched on PBS' "Create".

For one thing, there is no pretention. The pots and pans look used, the stove is one that would be found in any household. Their sewing machine is "vintage", their techniques are "what works", not what is "proper". I loved hearing their tips and explanations--they are meant for folks that aren't puffed-up, for folks that are homey. I would recommend these for anyone who is interested in being more productive at home.

Speaking of homey, another resource I thoroughly enjoy is Lady Lydia's Home Living blog. Her newest post, Needed At Home really gave me a lift--I think I will take her suggestion and hang the beginning poem on my fridge.

It used to be understood that Christian ladies were home-bodies, even if they were forced to work outside of the home for whatever reason. It isn't so anymore. I was amazed when my husband and I began rubbing elbows with professional ministers and their wives--just how much women being busy at home is disdained (not by everyone, but it is of such cultural pressure now that few speak up--I tried and was censured)--women who choose to focus on the home and find their calling there are often viewed as not to be following the Lord at all. Such a change from the foundational truths found in the Scriptures.

These Biblical views are quickly dismissed as being merely cultural--for a by-gone era and therefore antiquated. Antiquated indeed!

The Apostle Paul was not impressed with women who busied themselves with interests afar--he was concerned they would fall into sin. I know there are situations in which women cannot find a way out from engaging in outside employment, women whose hearts long to be home. If you are in one of these situations, God's grace will cover you. I once knew of a woman who lived behind the iron curtain and told me that, if she had stayed home with her children past the age of two years, she would have been thrown into jail for prostitution, since "she would have had to be making money somehow". The Gospel of Christ will meet anyone, anywhere and in any situation and He will direct your paths. Look for ways that He can lead you and provide for you so that you, too, can be a "keeper at home". The lady I spoke of eventually found herself released from that tyranny and living in America where she could be free.

Lady Lydia makes the case that many women fall for the logic that times are "too hard" for women to stay home. I don't think that men get to shine nearly as much since they can now rely on their women to share in the bread-winning. I remember many of the arguments during the 60's and 70's that getting women liberated would help them to live more productive lives and have better relationships--these urgings often used the analogy of the "unfaithful" or "dead-beat" man as the ultimate reason that every woman should have a way to fend for herself (no godly submission or familial trust). Flash forward to the present--there are more dead-beats and out-right gigolos than ever before. So much for the improved status of the liberated women!

Especially during economic down-turns, Mommy's presence is important for the entire family. For one thing, we need to lead in Esprit de Corps. We can find practical ways to celebrate: turn on the praise music and dance to the Lord, whip up some cheap vanilla pudding and add some bananas, make hot tea and scones in cold weather, etc. We can take what we have and tidy things up; if we can't afford the expensive room deodorizers, we can make some old-fashioned applesauce-cinnamon shapes and hang them in the bathroom.

We can "cannibalize" clothing for zippers, buttons, etc. and use them in our sewing projects to save money. When my great-grandmother died, she left my grandmother her stash of buttons--what a pleasure to sort and play with all of them--even my children enjoyed them. Effie Head (my great-grandmother) had mothered during a time when the following saying was very popular:

Use it up,

Wear it out,

Make it do,

Or do without.

When we are all worn-out from giving to everyone else out there in the real world, even if it is volunteer work at the church or other organization (everyone assumes that women who stay at home can become free labor--and we fall for it because we don't want anyone to think we are not "productive parts of society" or "true ministers" for Christ), as a consequence, we won't have the time or energy to be the cheerleaders, nurses, cooks, house-cleaning organizers, facilitators or hearth and home comforters we need to be for the most important people we will ever know--our husbands and children.

As I read the Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), and as I examine the instructions given to believers to what was at that time a new faith, I am struck with just how no-nonsense the scriptural injunctions actually are. Slaves are addressed in numerous places as to how to live for Christ in their current state, working heartily as unto the Lord not unto men. I am not for slavery, on the contrary, but we must serve the Lord where we find ourselves.

The life of a true believer, one who is sold-out and not counting his life as dear, is joyful and productive in the smallest of occupations. This quiet life is lived out in secret and is actually most powerful when not in the spot light and applause of a wide-ranging audience.

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