I look at my 2 daughters and I just sit and watch, amazed. I watch my oldest, who is a mini-me, and I look at what she accomplishes, and I think, where did she get this? She builds amazing contraptions, her engineer father’s genes apparent. She loves to paint and cut and collage. She has taught herself to sew by hand and creates all sorts of fabric things. She immerses herself in books. Her camera never leaves her side and now she dives in to the world of video editing. She orchestrates plays with her siblings, is the teacher and mother in their games. She longs for the day she can baby-sit, yet loves to escape to her top bunk that is her resting place, her decorated and cozy space.
I look at all the possibilities available to her.
And part of me fears.
I’m afraid I will not do a good job encouraging and affirming her.
I’m afraid she will grow up without confidence. I’m afraid if she marries, she will end up with someone who doesn’t value all of her qualities, and will only see her as a woman to be led, a mother waiting to happen. I’m afraid she’ll end up feeling as though she is less than. I worry she will end up in a church tradition that does not value what God has created. That does not honor her soul. I worry that she will not feel valued as a person unless she is married and surrounded by kids. I hope that if she does marry and mother, as I suspect she will, that she will still realize she is more than those titles.
I hope she grows up knowing her gifts and passions are Gift and Grace and can be used anywhere in the world.
I hope she will learn that her identify rests in Image, not in title.
I have great hope her world as an adult female will be easier, smoother, than mine is. I imagine a future where people aren’t threatened by a softer side. I hope that the Jesus who affirms women is the same Jesus she will love. I pray that she won’t be surrounded by people who feel superior because they are masculine, or raise themselves and their version of Christianity up by treading on the backs of women.
I stand amazed at the possibilities and creativities that exist in my daughter, as a 4-ft image-bearer, who creates and says it is good. I hope she clings to that forever and is always told
Yay! Love this!
The fact that you are even thinking about this gives me lots of hope for you daughter 🙂 With a mom who holds viewpoints such as yours, I really doubt that she will fall into the silly trap of measuring herself up to a “traditional woman.” Just make sure you discuss with her what she’s learning in youth group and from her Christian friends regarding relationships, and you should be able to head off any silly thinking at the pass 😉
These are my fears too! I agree, my own marriage and life example are important, but I struggle to define myself as more than just a mother so often at my church and I’d like them to have less of a battle than I’ve had, even as I’ve had less than my own mother. Maybe that’s the realistic hope I have: girls that may never have to fight for their place but who have the tools and strength to do so if they need to. I love your idea of growing a woman. It’s a humbling task. Thank you for your words.