Politics

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In the United States we are currently in a campaign for the next President. John McCain has chosen a Christian Working Mom, Sarah Palin, to run for Vice President. The response of the media and others has been surprising, sad, and perplexing. Let me share a little information about Sarah Palin. She is the governor of the state of Alaska and a mother of 5 children. Her youngest son is 4 months old and has Down’s Syndrome. She knew while she was pregnant that her son had Downs and she did not consider an abortion. She said all children are blessings and a gift from God. Governor Palin also recently found out her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. Her daughter is getting married and having the child. Governor Palin has been criticized by the press for seeking the Vice President as a mother with a child with Downs and her daughter being pregnant. Read an article in the New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/us/politics/02mother.html?_r=2&em&oref=slogin&oref=slogin. Women and men are questioning if she can do the job and be a Mom. Governor Sarah Palin, from various articles, seems to be a committed Christian. Here is an article about her faith, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/06/us/politics/06church.html?em.

So, it was only a matter of time before the issue of whether Christian Moms should work outside the home would come up. I was driving to work the other day and listening to talk radio. A woman called in saying, “The Bible says that women are to be keepers of the home, Sarah Palin needs to stay home and raise her children.” I have never called a talk radio show before, but my fingers couldn’t dial fast enough. I shared with the radio host about the Proverbs 31 women and being keepers of the home does not mean one cannot work outside the home. (For a more thorough look at what the Bible says about working moms go to www.christianworkingmom.com and see the article on the home page entitled What Does the Bible Say About Christian Working Moms).

There are several issues going on in the nomination of Governor Sarah Palin. One is that she is a conservative woman. She is strongly pro-life. Her life is evidence that she talks the talk and walks the walk. The pro-choice crowd is only pro-choice if a woman chooses death not life. Governor Palin knew her son had Down’s syndrome before he was born and she chose to bring him into this world and love him. The fact she is so strongly pro-life means she is a target. Listen to this verse from Psalms 11:2, “For look, the wicked bend their bows: they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.” Governor Palin is unabashedly speaking about absolute right and wrong. The Bible is her guide. Thus, a lot of the criticism is being thrown against a woman who dares to stand up and speak God’s truth.

Another issue is one we have all faced here in our CWM community. Can a woman work and raise children? Obviously, Governor Palin has been doing this for several years. She appears to have a supportive husband and together they are raising their children. If she becomes the Vice-President she will probably have more paid household help than any of us could dream of. Also, her work and home are extremely close. Pretty short commute. Yet, as one commentator pointed out no one has asked Barack Obama if he can be president and be a Dad of two young girls. This question is only asked of women. Will it be difficult being Vice President and a Mom?

Yes. Is it difficult for you being a CWM? Yes. Does difficult translate into being wrong? I think not. Ask any stay at home Mom if they have difficult days and I think she will tell you yes. Every family has to make the decision about what works best for their family and one size does not fit all. As Christian Working Moms we need to willingly support, love, and encourage any Mom whether she works outside the home or not. That is what we are called to do in Scripture. Love one another. Christian Stay at Home Moms are my sisters in Christ and I should not be in a battle with them.

A third and final issue, sexism is still alive and well in this country. First, let me categorically state I believe in scripture God gives men and women different roles. He made us different for a reason and we are to complement one another. So, please don’t hear me saying that men and women are the same, which is simply not true. The sexism question is whether or not Governor Palin is being judged by different standards than a man. She will be asked questions that a reporter would never dare ask a man. Has anyone asked a male candidate how they balance work and home? I don’t think so. So, I think as women we only want to be judged by how we work and whether or not we do a good job. The work ethic should be the same.

I don’t know what will happen in this election. The Christian Working Mom battle has now come to the second highest office in the United States. God uses women who are willing to die to self and live for Him. I have listened to Governor Palin’s speeches and heard a word that only the Christian community can truly understand. Governor Palin has said she would be a servant for the people of the United States. As Christians, we know that Christ calls us to serve others.

Put Christ first, others second, and our selves last. We also model our lives after Christ who left His throne in glory to become a servant and die for us. In Matthew 20:26-27, Jesus says to the disciples: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” The true issue is not about being great, but we all need to have a servant’s heart and serve our God.

Sister Christian Working Moms may we all follow where God leads and have a servant heart. Also, no matter what country you live in pray for your leaders and that they would seek God and His wisdom for your country.

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