|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 5:43:00 AM
|
|
|
manda59
Posts: 6162
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
Status: offline
|
Someone said in another thread elsewhere on the forum that they didn't see being a mother as a calling from God.
What do you think?
_____________________________
"Manda is right"
mvic, January 2009
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 8:45:27 AM
|
|
|
Sideways
Posts: 3934
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
I think it is, because there are certainly women who are specifically not called to be mothers, in that they have no desire to raise children. I'm not speaking about a woman's ability to bear children. I firmly believe that many women are called by God to focus their time and talents elsewhere.
Parenthood is addressed many times in the Bible, and it certainly is an extremely important role to play, that of bringing up the next generation. I'm not sure how it couldn't be a called from God.
Unless I'm misunderstanding the meaning of the word "calling".
_____________________________
This warranty does not include shark bites, bear attacks and children under five.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 8:58:52 AM
|
|
|
manda59
Posts: 6162
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
Status: offline
|
To put it into context, the person who said this is a mother.
I personally believe that, in the context of calling/gifts/service, a mother's (prime?) calling is to be a mother.
Sorry for not making it clearer.
_____________________________
"Manda is right"
mvic, January 2009
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 9:35:49 AM
|
|
|
Sideways
Posts: 3934
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: manda59
I personally believe that, in the context of calling/gifts/service, a mother's (prime?) calling is to be a mother.
You mean, once a woman has children, her primary focus should be on those children? Well, she also would have a husband, a home, possibly a job. But yes, for both men and women, their family is second only to God in importance in their life. How they each served their family is an individucal matter and between them and God.
But if this is going to be yet another thread about whether or not women who WOH are going against their God-given role, then I might be tempted to check out early. My feelings are that a woman's calling is between her and God, and not between her and Christian legalism.
_____________________________
This warranty does not include shark bites, bear attacks and children under five.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 10:40:21 AM
|
|
|
Mrs.Wifey
Posts: 4871
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The Gorgeous plains of Colorado
Status: offline
|
My calling is to be a mother, but I am a better mother when I'm a good wife and when I feel fulfilled as a woman. Feeling fulfilled, for me, includes things besides just being a mother.
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 12:28:04 PM
|
|
|
manda59
Posts: 6162
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Sideways
But if this is going to be yet another thread about whether or not women who WOH are going against their God-given role
No it isn't.
I am clearly not explaining this right. <bangs head on wall>
I am not talking about roles (we have a One Stop Thread about that, so I wouldn't start another one)
I am trying to talk about spiritual gifting, and serving the Lord.
The person who posted was saying (paraphrase) that she didn't know what her calling was, had asked God but had no confirmation, and was basically feeling in a right "hot mess" about it all.
That she was confused, feeling pressed for time etc
I was trying to encourage her that she was already serving God by being a mum, by nurturing and raising her child, believing that He will have other things for her to do, but that basically she isn't "doing nothing" by being a mum, that it is a noble, worthwhile and important thing that she is already doing. And part of her calling.
_____________________________
"Manda is right"
mvic, January 2009
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 1:05:38 PM
|
|
|
zoebob
Posts: 8860
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: land of limbo
Status: online
|
I think I see what you are getting at. You want to know if it is perfectly fine and and a wise use of your time to "just" be a mom. IOW: is dedicating a period of your life to raising your kids a worthwhile thing in God's view?
_____________________________
L-R: DD1, Ellies DS2, DD2, Ellies DS1
L-R: Ellies DD1, Ellies DD2, DS, Ellies DS3
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 2:10:51 PM
|
|
|
Sideways
Posts: 3934
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: manda59
I was trying to encourage her that she was already serving God by being a mum, by nurturing and raising her child, believing that He will have other things for her to do, but that basically she isn't "doing nothing" by being a mum, that it is a noble, worthwhile and important thing that she is already doing. And part of her calling.
Sorry for the headache, Manda. I see what you're getting at. And I agree with you that raising children certainly is serving God in a very important way. As her children grow she may also find fulfillment by volunteering or serving the church in some way, but that is a matter for her to take to God in prayer (and if He isn't answering right now, then maybe He'll answer later on).
It may be that she is being called to serve outside of her home, but serving her family is certainly serving God, too.
Nicole, WOH mean work outside (the) home.
_____________________________
This warranty does not include shark bites, bear attacks and children under five.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 9:43:24 PM
|
|
|
RamiRedeemed
Posts: 2628
Joined: 10/13/2008
Status: offline
|
To me being a mother is just, well, it's life. It's kind of like making dinner I guess. I do it, but I don't see it as my calling.
I wasn't planning on having any children. In fact, I didn't think I could have any and that is probably why I decided I just didn't want any. Coping mechanism perhaps. But God had a different plan for my life. I don't know why He decided to give me a daughter but He did. I see being a mother as part of His plan, but not part of my calling.
I'm not saying at ALL that being a mother isn't a noteworthy position. It's hard work! When I found out that I was pregnant I wanted a unique way to tell my husband, and I bought a pair of baby shoes and wrapped them in a box. On the top of the box I wrote a quote I found, "It was the littlest thing I ever put my whole life into." I think that is exactly what being a parent is all about, putting your whole life into your child. It's a sacrifice and it's a great one. I'm saying all of this so you know that I'm not talking down on mothers or saying their role is not important.
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 11:27:02 PM
|
|
|
p31woman
Posts: 558
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Texas, and now South Dakota
Status: offline
|
No. I discussed this with a CW poster some years ago, who said:
...While producing, parenting, raising children is an awesome task, it is not equal to a spirit-anointed ministry serving G-d. Having and raising a family is a blessing from G-d. Children are a gift to us. And our responsibility to care for them, both mother and father, is extremely important.
However, calling mothering equal to an anointed spiritual calling unctioned by the Holy Spirit is dishonest and patronizing. (not to mention unsupported by scripture)... While mothering AND fathering is important, it by no means holds the same degree of earnestness of eternal work as speaking the truths of G-d, forwarding the kingdom of G-d. Parenting, having and raising children is something we do because we are human. And we do it whether we are anointed or depraved. Whether we do it well or not is indeed influenced by whether we are born again of G-d and whether we are guided by the Holy Spirit.
But to tell women that their birthing and nurturing takes the place of spiritual gifts and ministry in the work of the kingdom is to me the greatest thievery of all history, robbing women of their greatest potential and joys.
_____________________________
So don't let anyone pass judgment on you in connection with eating and drinking, or in regard to a Jewish festival or Rosh-Hodesh or Shabbat. These are a shadow of things that are coming, but the body is of the Messiah. Colossians 2:16-17
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 11:33:26 PM
|
|
|
Mrs.Wifey
Posts: 4871
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The Gorgeous plains of Colorado
Status: offline
|
quote:
But to tell women that their birthing and nurturing takes the place of spiritual gifts and ministry in the work of the kingdom is to me the greatest thievery of all history, robbing women of their greatest potential and joys.
I don't know, there are certainly mothers out there whose only real desire has ever been to be a mother. My mom is a gifted mother, she is furthering the Kingdom of God by raising up children who are going out and doing God's work. Likewise, now that my siblings and I are growing and leaving the hosue she is shifting that mothering to the pregnancy care center where she guides young women and teaches them how to parent their own children.
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/26/2008 11:40:40 PM
|
|
|
manda59
Posts: 6162
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: p31woman
While mothering AND fathering is important, it by no means holds the same degree of earnestness of eternal work as speaking the truths of G-d, forwarding the kingdom of G-d.
Well, I don't know about you, but I speak the truths of God with my children, forward the kingdom of God with my children. It's part of my parenting, my mothering.
quote:
But to tell women that their birthing and nurturing takes the place of spiritual gifts and ministry in the work of the kingdom
I didn't say that, and that isn't what this thread is about.
_____________________________
"Manda is right"
mvic, January 2009
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/27/2008 12:27:42 AM
|
|
|
lynnmoon
Posts: 276
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: online
|
This is a good question. I would say yes and I don't know.
When I think of calling, I think of vocation or "what God wants me to do" with my life kind of thing. So when I think of my parental responsibility, I certainly think that it is a part of my calling, as I understand the word calling.
I've always felt that God calls everyone to something. I don't just think that God wants pastors to do what He wants, I figure He has a plan for each of us. And for me, my very most important ministry at this point is my son. I serve God in many other capacities, true and I don't think any are minimized but I'm certainly called to mother this child that God has so graciously given to me.
Now, there is the I don't know part. I'm always plagued by the thoughts of the children suffering in the world and the people that I know that seem like they just really weren't meant to be mother's but somehow ended up with kids. I don't know if these people were indeed called to this, but in thier own sinfulness missed it. Or if parenting is not thier calling (although I guess I don't get how one could say that if God actually let you have a child). I don't know. I know some mothers who are really nice people and who love thier kids because they are supposed too...but they aren't really mother people and don't pretend to be.
It confuses me, but based on evidence, I know it happens. So...that leaves me with an I don't know sort of feeling. But for me...I'd say absolutely.
_____________________________
Lynn
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/27/2008 6:32:41 AM
|
|
|
zoebob
Posts: 8860
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: land of limbo
Status: online
|
I would say that mothering is the MOST IMPORTANT place for a woman to use her spiritual gifts. Actually parenting is the most important place to use our gifts and I think there is Biblical precident for placing our children's spiritual well being above other people. Leaders in the church are expected to have their homes in order and their family not living in rebellion. That tells me that our families are to be our first priority in evangalism/discipleship.
_____________________________
L-R: DD1, Ellies DS2, DD2, Ellies DS1
L-R: Ellies DD1, Ellies DD2, DS, Ellies DS3
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/27/2008 7:54:47 AM
|
|
|
RamiRedeemed
Posts: 2628
Joined: 10/13/2008
Status: offline
|
Hey! I'm not confused, but rather convinced that God has something greater for me.
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/27/2008 12:41:09 PM
|
|
|
HisCovenant
Posts: 4123
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
I think God does specially "call" some to be mothers... I don't think desire for children is an indication of that, as I have seen women very sinfully desire children and hurt others in the process. I also think motherhood is a consequence of actions that can 100% ignore calling and God's will... however, once the child is conceived, a mother should use her spiritual gifts to raise the child, as she should use her spiritual gifts to help any other human being. I don't come from the same perspective Sarah and Zoe do, but I agree that parenthood is the most important and influential way a parent can utilize their spiritual gifting. IMO, once a woman has a child in her care, her "calling" to motherhood is unimportant . The raising the child trumps what others would term as "calling," at least for a season. A woman has to deal with the facts of her life and learn to be content even if she doesn't feel "called" to be a mother the same way an infertile women who feels "called" to motherhood has to deal.
_____________________________
-HisCovenant/ Zipporah
My friends call me Zippy!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/27/2008 12:48:48 PM
|
|
|
manda59
Posts: 6162
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
Hey! I'm not confused
Not confused eh?
You sure about that?
quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
I won't say specifically b/c I know there will be some that will purpose to dissuade me based on their personal beliefs. I'm much aware of my strenghts and weaknesses, but I'm not sure if God will use what I'm good at or what I'm not good at. It's all so confusing.
quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
I'm not too great at knowing what is from God or what isn't. Sure, sometimes there's no mistaking it. But all too often the message gets confused for me. There have been times were I just 'knew' that something was from God... and it wasn't. Other times I knew the opposite and it ended up being from God. I really struggle in the hearing area :(
quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
but rather convinced that God has something greater for me.
Rami, you might want to think about your choice of word here. What do you mean by "greater"?
And "greater" in whose eyes?
_____________________________
"Manda is right"
mvic, January 2009
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
)
PRAISE THE LORD -- MY HUSBAND IS BACK FROM IRAQ 
