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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/28/2008 5:07:31 PM
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Consecrated2God
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This is one of those tricky questions, because I think we use the word "calling" in different ways.
Obviously, in a general sense, it's part of what women do. It's a pretty normal thing for women to have children. We were designed for it as a gender, so it's not unusual that many women will have strong desires for children.
I think some think of a calling in the sense of a desire. I desire this, therefore I am called to this. I do not desire this, therefore I'm not called. I can sort of see that, but I sometimes wonder if it's a cultural thing to see a desire as a calling. God certainly called people in the past to things that they did not desire to do. Moses did not desire to be the leader of Israel, and Jonah did not desire to go to Ninevah, but they were both called.
I do agree that it's healthy to look at motherhood as a calling, especially if you are mother! It's your job. It's what your boss has told you to do--mother those kids and mother them well. If we can remember that God instructed us to do this, then we can keep our perspective when times get tough instead of wondering we got into this.
On the other hand, since mothering is so normal, sometimes we have a tendency to see only the non-normal things as callings. I can kind of understand this viewpoint, too. For example, someone speaks of being called to a 2-week fast. If I said I was called to eat three square meals a day for the next 2 weeks, they would probably laugh at me, since everyone does that.
So I guess my answer is both yes and no. There--I disagreed with everyone here, and I agreed with you all, too. 
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Bonky
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/28/2008 11:48:39 PM
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lynnmoon
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quote:
I was called to eat three square meals a day for the next 2 weeks
This has officially become my new super spiritual phrase!
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Lynn
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 7:43:33 AM
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3cappuccinosmom
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Rami--about doing something "Greater" and affecting others. (I wasn't offended, btw, just have some thoughts  ) Don't forget that any child you have, you are going to be ministering to and that you have a special opening into thier hearts by being their mother.  And, as a mother, your legacy extends well beyond how many diapers you changed, into your children's adult years, and to thier children, and their grandchildren, and to the people who they relate to in their lives.
I do think mothering is a ministry. And it doesn't have to hinder other ministries, either. Even if you're limited by circumstance to relating to other mothers, there are many women out there who are hurting and struggling and desperately need to know the love of God. Not all callings and ministries are grand and book-worthy.
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 Moo
Shameless Self Promotion
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 8:49:51 AM
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zoebob
Posts: 8860
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quote:
Calling I think of more as things which use those gifts God has given me to further His kingdom.
So therefore, I use those giftings within how I parent to further God's kingdom by training my children up in the way they should go.
For example, my children have been exposed to my writing from a very young age. Through it I have been able to illuminate many truths to them.
I am called by God to teach. Through this gift I teach my children.
I am called by God to speak truth with gentleness and compassion. Through this I teach my children that they are loved even when they are out of bounds.
It sounds like you just defended mothering being a calling: you use all your gifts to further the kindgom through parenting your children.
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L-R: DD1, Ellies DS2, DD2, Ellies DS1
L-R: Ellies DD1, Ellies DD2, DS, Ellies DS3
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 12:14:24 PM
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Auben
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I'm another who doesn't think that motherhood is a 'spiritual calling.'
In general modern western Christianity uses the world 'calling' for many things which are not found in scripture. Many times what we mean is a work that we're doing (usually an important work but not always) with which we feel a particular affinity. This affinity and God's general approval tells us we were meant to do something.
To me, if motherhood is a 'spiritual calling' then we bring up issues like what about women who have children who don't feel called to it? How does God call us to it and by what means do we know we are called? Are we called to specific human relationships (marriage, being a sibling, dealing with parents) automatically if we have that relationship (what about abusive relationships...is it okay to disconnect even if we are 'called?')? Is it any less important a task or connection if we aren't called? What does 'calling' mean and in what way is is spiritual?
Personally I think that raising children is an important job, a vital job, one which we put our hearts, prayers, and minds into. I don't think God only calls certain people to it though. Because at heart, being called means that someone else is not being called. Does that mean the woman who can't have children but longs for them isn't being called? Or does that mean that the woman who has children but doesn't feel anything or is abusive isn't being called (and yet God allowed her children)?
Human relationships require love, and work, and grace but I don't think they require a spiritual calling. If they do, it is such a general call the entire human race can stand up and say 'I am called to love and minister to my (child, husband, friend, sister, father....).' Which we are.
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Tamara
~Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time~
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 2:03:40 PM
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RamiRedeemed
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Agrees with Auben, well said!
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 2:07:37 PM
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RamiRedeemed
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 3cappuccinosmom
Rami--about doing something "Greater" and affecting others. (I wasn't offended, btw, just have some thoughts ) Don't forget that any child you have, you are going to be ministering to and that you have a special opening into thier hearts by being their mother. And, as a mother, your legacy extends well beyond how many diapers you changed, into your children's adult years, and to thier children, and their grandchildren, and to the people who they relate to in their lives.
I guess I'm not trying to leave a legacy but I suppose that's off topic. I believe that I can raise my daughter in such a way that she will have a positive impact on many lives, on her friends, her husband, her children,etc. And sure, I'm certain that I'll use some if not all of my spiritual gifts when raising her and teaching her... but that's just it, I'm just raising her.
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Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
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ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 2:07:58 PM
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purejoy
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quote:
ORIGINAL: pumpkin
I *get* that people feel that God has told them to be a nurse or a teacher or whatever, but is that a calling??... but what about when God doesn't provide a way to use those desires? I mean, I have a teaching degree, and I'm not teaching. I can't seem to even pry open a spot for me at this time. Does that mean that God didn't want me to be a teacher? I don't know. Does that mean that I am not supposed to be a teacher at this time? I'm guessing yes. Does it mean that God called me to be a teacher and hasn't fulfilled his end of the deal by giving me a place to teach? *shrug* What about people who ARE teaching who hate it? Were they called to it? *shrug*
I very much get what you are saying here, Gina.
Maybe I should ask...what is the definition of a "spiritual calling?" And is a "spiritual calling" different than a plain old regular "calling?" Or are they th same thing?
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 4:04:48 PM
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clag4christ
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quote:
I guess I'm not trying to leave a legacy
But that's what children are...they are a legacy.
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If you don't want people to insult your intelligence; don't make it so obvious that you have none.
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 4:06:41 PM
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RamiRedeemed
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Perhaps they are but my whole purpose, my biggest purpose in life is not to raise children.
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Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
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ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 4:12:31 PM
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RamiRedeemed
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I don't think raising children is serving God. It's serving my children.
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Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
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ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 4:14:43 PM
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clag4christ
Posts: 2631
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
I don't think raising children is serving God. It's serving my children.
Really? How's that?
Since we're supposed to do everything to His glory. Which means we're in service to Him in everything we do. We're a witness to Him to all those around us by the totality of our lives...
_____________________________
<-----Jael as Tinkerbell - Halloween 2008
If you don't want people to insult your intelligence; don't make it so obvious that you have none.
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 5:21:43 PM
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pumpkin
Posts: 1434
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Auben
I'm another who doesn't think that motherhood is a 'spiritual calling.'
In general modern western Christianity uses the world 'calling' for many things which are not found in scripture. Many times what we mean is a work that we're doing (usually an important work but not always) with which we feel a particular affinity. This affinity and God's general approval tells us we were meant to do something.
To me, if motherhood is a 'spiritual calling' then we bring up issues like what about women who have children who don't feel called to it? How does God call us to it and by what means do we know we are called? Are we called to specific human relationships (marriage, being a sibling, dealing with parents) automatically if we have that relationship (what about abusive relationships...is it okay to disconnect even if we are 'called?')? Is it any less important a task or connection if we aren't called? What does 'calling' mean and in what way is is spiritual?
Personally I think that raising children is an important job, a vital job, one which we put our hearts, prayers, and minds into. I don't think God only calls certain people to it though. Because at heart, being called means that someone else is not being called. Does that mean the woman who can't have children but longs for them isn't being called? Or does that mean that the woman who has children but doesn't feel anything or is abusive isn't being called (and yet God allowed her children)?
Human relationships require love, and work, and grace but I don't think they require a spiritual calling. If they do, it is such a general call the entire human race can stand up and say 'I am called to love and minister to my (child, husband, friend, sister, father....).' Which we are.
I Agree! =)
quote:
ORIGINAL: purejoy
quote:
ORIGINAL: pumpkin
I *get* that people feel that God has told them to be a nurse or a teacher or whatever, but is that a calling??... but what about when God doesn't provide a way to use those desires? I mean, I have a teaching degree, and I'm not teaching. I can't seem to even pry open a spot for me at this time. Does that mean that God didn't want me to be a teacher? I don't know. Does that mean that I am not supposed to be a teacher at this time? I'm guessing yes. Does it mean that God called me to be a teacher and hasn't fulfilled his end of the deal by giving me a place to teach? *shrug* What about people who ARE teaching who hate it? Were they called to it? *shrug*
I very much get what you are saying here, Gina.
Maybe I should ask...what is the definition of a "spiritual calling?" And is a "spiritual calling" different than a plain old regular "calling?" Or are they th same thing?
I'm gonna have to wait until David gets home to see if he can point me toward actual definitions of the two. When I try to look up the definition of a calling, whether spiritual or not, I get some weird stuff on google.
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 6:52:22 PM
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RamiRedeemed
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quote:
ORIGINAL: clag4christ
quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
I don't think raising children is serving God. It's serving my children.
Really? How's that?
Since we're supposed to do everything to His glory. Which means we're in service to Him in everything we do. We're a witness to Him to all those around us by the totality of our lives...
Doing something for His glory and doing something in service to Him are two different things. I could hope and pray that I raise my children in a way that is glorifying to God but again, I don't think that's service.
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 7:02:22 PM
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Mrs.Wifey
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From: The Gorgeous plains of Colorado
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
quote:
ORIGINAL: clag4christ
quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
I don't think raising children is serving God. It's serving my children.
Really? How's that?
Since we're supposed to do everything to His glory. Which means we're in service to Him in everything we do. We're a witness to Him to all those around us by the totality of our lives...
Doing something for His glory and doing something in service to Him are two different things. I could hope and pray that I raise my children in a way that is glorifying to God but again, I don't think that's service.
EVERYTHING we do is for His glory, not just some things. And because we are doing EVERYTHING to His glory, we are constantly serving Him.
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 7:07:40 PM
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spitzu
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I didn't take it personally, I just found it sad that a mother thinks that way.
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<- Ahh, the sound of a real shutter. It's like music!
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 7:09:15 PM
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RamiRedeemed
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I really don't understand why it's sad. Meh, sorry you're sad.
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Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Is it a spiritual "calling" to be a mother? - 10/29/2008 7:15:35 PM
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Mrs.Wifey
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Colossians 3:23 says "And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men."
31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.(1 Corinthians 10:31)
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