Move Over Lion...Here Comes Mom!

 by Tammy L. McCoy

Move over lion. Here comes the at-home-mom.

            The courage of a lion is well known and appreciated by many. But what about the courage of the at-home-mom? Does she not rule in her own right?

It may be true that at-home-mothers fight their way through a different kind of jungle, but that jungle is no less arduous. Danger lurks at every corner. It comes in many forms. At-home-mothers must always be on the alert. A broken safety latch could lead to disaster. A turned back at the wrong moment could lead to injury. And the approach of a stranger could lead to a lifetime of pain.

In truth, there is no break for the at-home-mom. Her radar must always be on. She, like the lion, almost senses danger. This allows her to react more swiftly and efficiently.

But it is not any innate ability that makes the at-home-mother courageous. At least, it is not the only reason she should be recognized. At home mothers everywhere face hostilities from the outside world. They face the looks and comments of those who view the life choice as inferior. Expressions and remarks fly at her like bullets of judgment.

As a prior at-home-mother, I know what it is like to choose a life of motherhood over a life of career. I have felt the “I think I’m better than you” eyes upon me. And, yes, I have heard the comments as well.

It takes courage to stand up to those who believe that being a mom is not a “real” job. This is especially true because most career individuals obtain some sort of validation, whether it be through a check at the end of the week or a plaque and promotion. Quite often the most an at-home-mother gets is a hug.

And there is yet another problem. Sometimes judgment comes from within. Some at-home-mothers look down on themselves. They feel lost and alone, trapped behind sheetrock-covered walls.

For a while, I felt this way. I loved being at home with my children, but I felt a loss of self-worth. I viewed myself as unsuccessful even though my children where growing up strong and happy.

Being an at-home-mother, in my opinion, is a humbling life. It is a life of service and love. The self becomes secondary. And sometimes, if the person serving in the role is not paying attention, it feels as though it disappears altogether.

At-home-mothers are givers, teachers, lovers, discipliners, and gardeners. Yes, they are gardeners, and their job is to tend to youthful souls.

The pay is minimal and the work hard, but there is worth in it. “. . . those who plant what is right will certainly be rewarded” (Proverbs 11:18). God in heaven knows everything given by these miraculous women. He provides them with strength. And He most certainly provides them with courage.

So move over lion. Here comes the at-home-mom. 

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL READER’S VERSION, Copyright 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.