Mothering and Feminism

The spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be
glorified together. Romans 8: 16-17.

What is feminism?

The dictionary defines it as the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.
One of my daughters once told two of her male classmates that she is a feminist. A Christian feminist. One of them told her that category does not exist, and that he does not like feminists because they become ‘feminazis’ and all they want to do is create a matriarchy. My daughter was quick to tell them that what feminists want, is gender equality. Then she stated “but even if that is what we want, a matriarchy. Why is that so bad? Could it be that you are aware what a patriarchy has done to women for centuries? That you are aware of all the social problems that it has caused, and you are worried that this could happen to you?”

You go girl.

I have thought of this at length. I have realized that this Christian woman is a feminist.
And it is not a matriarchy that I am interested in.
I am a wife, mother, medical doctor and a Christian.
I will protect and pray over the dreams of my daughters. I raised three, and helped raise two others.

If her dream is to be an officer in the US armed forces
If her dream is to be a stay at home mom and raise her babies
If her dream is to stand for president
To build a company from the ground up in a male dominated field
To be whatever she dreams to be
I will protect her dream.
I will not stop her from doing what the Lord put her on this earth to do.
That which makes her soul hum.
That which moves her spirit to seek excellence and goodness in some aspect of the Lord’s creation.
That which fills her with awe.
Whatever it is.

You are a feminist if you gave your daughter equal opportunities to pursue her dreams, just like you did for her brother.
You are a feminist if you raised your son to treat women as joint heirs in this life, with respect.
You are a feminist if you treat the women in your life right. Your mother, your wife, your sisters, your daughters.

Let us not let a good word be hijacked.
There is not a better word that makes it imperative that we protect the rights of women everywhere.
My right to equal pay for equal work. Don’t make me keep fighting for it.
My right to protected time with my babies. Come on men. It is about time.
My right to equal opportunities in all arenas. Not just because a quota must be filled.
My right to be feminine and equal. I should not have to act like a man.
My right to dream.

And if my dream is broken, by among other things, the men in my life, let me dream a new dream.