I don't follow golf very closely. L.P.G.A golf I follow even less closely, if that were possible. But last week, the female golf world, and its followers out there (I'm sure there are plenty of followers who just don't run in my circles), received a shocking blow last week: Lorena Ochoa is retiring at the age of 28. Now what makes it such a surprising departure is that she was currently ranked #1 in the world. And she is departing for a reason which has become so secondary in the world today: starting a family.
It's not like Ochoa is taking a pay cut, marrying the CEO of AeroMexico. But I think any woman who would sacrifice the glory of a successful career for the sake of starting a family deserves at least a little pub on a small time blog-though I consider my followers "big time."
Now I'm not saying that women can't work and have families, but I can imagine being on the road with the L.P.G.A might make it a little difficult for a mom and child. Regardless, it is nice to see a woman who doesn't HAVE to have a career in order to feel significant. Certainly a good reminder for both sexes in a career=identity world which we all live.
4 comments:
I can barely manage a career and grad school and personal relationships, so I'm not really in a position to speak on this... but... I'm going to...!
In pondering what to do when I have my hypothetical future children, if I continue to work, it's not because I gain a feeling of significance from continuing to work--it will be be because I passionately love what I'm doing. I don't think that it's really fair to put women in a box that makes them feel selfish for continuing to do something they love any more than it's fair to make women feel guilty for staying home with their kids if that's what they want to do.
I don't know that kids automatically have to be neglected just because a mom is working--they often are when two parents are, but it doesn't have to be the case. Plenty of stay at home mom's neglect their kids too.
So basically, I guess I wish women could be more free to make decisions for their families without baggage.
More power to you Rebekah! Women have the same right as any men to pursue a life to do something what they love to do and be just as good wife, mother loving their family. I speak from 54 years of experience. Paul Der.
Rebekah,
I appreciate your candor. In no way am I saying moms shouldn't work.
I tried to say that, but maybe it was clearer in my head than on the screen!
I just thought this was a cool thing. She apparently thought that her working wouldn't be good for kids.
Each mom should make that choice based upon her own convictions that are informed by scripture, godly counsel, personal reflection, and situation.
I'm glad I have a wife that stays home with Connar. I don't know how she does it. I couldn't.
I think men have done a lousy job over the years of honoring women and esteeming what they do at home.
Some pastors like Mark Driscoll are more cut and dry on this issue. I'm not. I've often argued the other side. Nevertheless, I want to honor women who choose to stay at home for a season. Many women I know have chosen that route, and I want to encourage them.
I agree; it's a woman's choice (with her husband) to be a SAHM or be employed outside the home.
But could we please rephrase our speaking/writing so that it doesn't sound like a wife and mother who is at home doesn't work? I prefer "She does not work (or "is not employed") outside the home." Believe me; a mom at home WORKS! Just research what it would cost a family to pay for all the labor done in the home.
Or, to put it in bumper-sticker clarity: EVERY MOTHER IS A WORKING MOTHER.
Thank, Geoff, for honoring and encouraging SAHMs.
Adri
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