Democracy, Discrepancy and Dependence on Our Daddy

Shabby Chic floral version of red, white and blue!

ds (dilemmas) = discrepancy, disparity, death, divorce, DV

Ds= Dependence, Daughters, Daddy

Scripture: Galatians 3:26-29; I Thessalonians 4:10-12

Sharing Authentically

Recently, on Independence Day, our nation celebrated its 250^th and the freedom we enjoy in our country, our democracy. While doing so as I hosted some Pink Collar Swan Sisters at the Swan Sanctuary for Faith Fit on Fourth, we discussed how many of us also recognize that our country has lots of discrepancies, disparity, and inequality.

Scripture points out that in Christ, believers are all God’s children through faith and that there is no difference between men and women (Galatians 3:26-29). It also tells us that all should work (I Thessalonians 4:10-12). I hold an unpopular belief that God’s perfect plan did not necessarily include women working outside the home to survive but inside it. Maintaining the house, farm, garden, raising children, and even homeschooling…doing and crafts and handiwork to sustain the family, like crocheting and sewing. Not to sound “tradwife” – the sometimes polarizing term that describes wives who embrace domestic duties and traditional gender roles -- but I personally do not have a problem with any of this. Apparently nor do many of the wives and women returning to these traditional activities as evidenced on Instagram and other social media platforms that feature Cottagecore and Granny Chic enthusiast influencers who post viral pics and reels of cozy interiors, gardens, and handmade home décor – whether they work a 9-5 job or not…Though that’s not the point of the post, I do want to point out that there’s no shame in these lifestyle choices. Nor is there any in women choosing to work outside the home.

And while many women do have the choice, through dilemmas like death, divorce, DV, etc. our democracy dictates many of us must work to avoid dependence on others. And in these work situations, though there should be no difference between male and female according to His Word (Galatians 3:28), we experience discrepancies and disparities – in pay, opportunities, etc., Even more reason that regardless of our decisions in this space, and whether we choose to work outside the home or must do so, we women need to support one another without judgement. (Think back to the hater moms in the Sarah Jessica Parker movie, I Don’t Know How She Does It). Women face enough barriers from others without creating division and dilemmas within our own ranks…

Swan Relationship

Given my druthers – what quaint, old-fashioned  d word  – I would have chosen the “tradwife” route. In fact, I did leave my teaching career and chose working fulltime as a homemaker after the birth of my children. Domestic violence and divorce, however, removed the decision from my hands and necessitated my return to the paid workforce where I have experienced my share of discrepancy and disparity.

Though we work in an imperfect democracy where these ds persist, we women in the USA have it SO much better than many women around the world. Praise the Lord that we still enjoy freedom and independence. And that as His Daughters, we can place our Dependence on God! Though many of us could not depend on men who let us down and may continue to do so in our work situations – whether at home or the office -- we can depend on our Daddy to never stop working for our good.

Though not my preference to return to work at the time, God gave me a fulfilling career that has led to the ministry experiences of sharing the lessons learned through my personal and professional dilemmas, including discrepancy and disparity. If I help one woman to discover her design and destiny as God’s daughter through my work, that she understands that ultimately, she does not have to depend on her job but on Jehovah Jireh, then it’s worth it. Today I’m thankful that I get to work outward to the world (especially women), and upward as worship and ministry.

Scripture

“Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to led a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not have to be dependent on anybody.” (I Thessalonians 4:10-12).

Strategic Application

Going back to the discrepancies, disparities and the decision about whether we choose to work or have no choice but to work,  rather than focusing on those dilemmas or what other women decide or do not decide to do, God directs us to mind our own business and do our own work. He also tells us to lead a quiet life. Basically to “Keep Calm and Work On” so that we win the respect of the watching world, regardless of our workplace and its dynamics. There’s a promise in there: When we do this, as obedient Daughters, we will not have to depend on anyone but our Daddy. Dependence on God is even more cause to celebrate than our country’s Independence!  

Something to Consider

Considering the freedom and independence we enjoy in our democracy, even with its discrepancies and disparities, how can we as women move from an “I’ve got to go to work” to an “I get to go to work” mindset?

Savvy & Chic Steps

Women, Keep Calm and Work On! After all, we get the blessing and privilege of using our work workplace – whether inside or outside the home, as a mission field and ministry which makes it worth it!