Titus 2

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God."
Titus 2:3-5

Dear Heavenly Father,

What a strong powerful message You send to women in Titus 2.  Every time I read this scripture I feel convicted on things that I need to improve on.  I want to be the type of woman that You are proud of, Lord.  Although there are many places that a woman is needed in this world the first place is in her home.  You make that very clear.  I'm not here to judge those who decide to work outside the home.  I am simply speaking from my perspective and my convicted heart that I need to be home with my family.  And, Lord, thanks to Your blessing of an amazing husband I also have a man by my side who feels the same way.

Lord, my son is 2  years old and my daughter is 2 months old and I still often get asked when do I plan on going back to work.  It is amazing how in today's world it is so uncommon to find a stay at home mom.  I will admit that after being a stay at home mom for 2+ years it is a lot harder than it looks.  That is why there are so many books out there offering advice on how to do it.  It isn't easy but you didn't say it would be easy, Lord.  You simply said that it is the way it should be done as to not malign Your Word.

After doing some reading on being a stay at home mom I came across some interesting statistics.

The Numbers

According to the US Census Bureau there are 85.4 million mothers in the US.  Out of that 85.4 million only 5 million are stay-at-home moms.

Happier Marriages

Studies show that couples who take on traditional roles in the home, where the wife does the majority of the house work and the husband contributes in other areas (such as being the main breadwinner), are more likely to stay married.  Those who split the household chores evenly are 50% more likely to divorce.  (Nova study)

Healthier Families

Children with working mothers are more likely to consume more sugary food and drink,  they watch more TV, have longer computer time and exercise slightly less. (Institute of Child Health)

Happier Children

Children who are cared for by a stay-at-home mom vs. a daycare facility have less behavioral problems, better social skills, more self-control and less tendency towards fighting, arguing, expressing anger and acting impulsively. (Lisa N. Hickman, Journal of Family Issues)

In addition to these benefits stay-at-home moms have more flexibility, reported better marital intimacy, closer family bonds and the ability to have more influence and time to instill personal beliefs and conviction in their children.

What It’s Worth

Research says that on average stay-at-home moms work 94hrs per week. If a homemaker were to be paid a salary for housekeeping, laundry, cooking, caring for children, etc. her average income would be $113,500 per year. (Salary.com)  I would also assume this annual salary would be significantly raised for a homeschool mom if you were to include a teacher’s salary.

 *found at stayathomedaughter.com* 

 

It is so unbelievably important for my children and my husband that I am home.  But, all the same, it is important that I am home doing what You want me to do, Lord.  That means training our children in the way You want them to be trained which isn't always an easy task and is something that I am convicted to constantly improve.  It also means to get my work done so my husband can come home and rest and enjoy his family and so that the kids can enjoy him.  It means having self-control, working hard, listening to my husband, and always showing love and kindness.  

Nothing about being a stay at home mom is easy but it is full of blessings.  I feel so very grateful that You asked women to do this job because honestly, Lord, I love every minute of it.  I know that every day I get to wake up and experience life through my children's eyes.  I get to constantly remind them of my love for them and Your love for them.  I get to watch them grow and see them experience so many firsts.  And best of all, I know I am right where You want me to be.

To my surprise, Lord, I came across an article in huffingtonpost.com that is written by a woman who actually regrets being a stay at home mom.  Usually it's the other way around, but I read the entire article thinking the title of the article was just to pull readers in and she was actually going to say that you will never regret being their for your kids.  However, I was wrong, and she truly regretted being a stay at home mom, but after reading her several reasons why she regretted it was amazing to me how selfish each reason was.  These were her 9 reasons why she regrets ever becoming a stay at home mom.  

1.  I let down those who went before me. 

2.  I used my driver's license far more than my degrees.

3.  My kids think I did nothing. 

4.  My world narrowed. 

5.  I got sucked into a mountain of volunteer work. 

6.  I worried more. 

7.  I slipped into a more traditional marriage. 

8.  I became outdated.

9.  I lowered my sights and lost confidence. 

To me, Lord, every one of these reasons seem all about her and very worldly.  She admits in her article that she enjoyed watching her children grow up, but my guess is, Lord, she was doing what you asked of her by being at home but she wasn't at all happy about it and I guarantee her kids knew that.  It's not just about staying at home, but it's about being the woman You need us to be at home.


Lord, I desire to be a Titus 2 woman for my family.  Please continue to convict me in areas I need to improve on.  Help me to give all of myself to You and my family so that they will reap the many benefits and blessings of having a stay at home wife/mom.  Give me the wisdom and understanding when talking to other women who don't feel the same way.  And thank you for this amazing role that I get to play in life.  I love you, Lord.  In Jesus name, Amen.