So, I'm home and finished some work on my thesis proposal and I decide to watch some news. I like that CNN has a high definition station now and so I turn to Anderson Cooper. I was hoping to see a little of the Tim Russert Memorial Service. But they led with a big story on Michelle Obama and her visit to "The View" and how she impacts her husbands campaign. And the message is this: She needs to "soften her image, have no strong opinions, don't make the news, or if she does be seen in the style pages or in her role of mother or wife."
So, I'm listening and I can't believe what I am hearing!! I'm no feminist!! I love being a wife, I prayed and hoped I would become a mom, but that wasn't in God's plan for me. I invest much in family and friends and nieces and nephews and I love home decorating and fashion and beauty. But I also believe God made women to be strong. The word used in Proverbs 31 - (A wife of NOBLE character...) for noble, or strong is a Hebrew warrior word. God is not afraid of the strength of women. He created us to live out that strength in our roles as working women, wives, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, sisters, friends, and in ministry. A noble (a better translation might be strong) wife who can find? Apparently, our culture today is not ready for a President with a strong wife. Don't get me wrong, I'm making no stand on who I'm voting for! I was just quietly appalled that they were actually saying on TV (not religious TV) that if a presidential candidates wife appeared fashionable, quiet, non-opinionated, soft, and behind the scenes she serves her husbands purposes best...hmmmmmmm. What do you think?
I don't get it either -- especially after the Clintons! Hillary wasn't (and isn't) exactly a wallflower! I wonder if all the talk about not "rocking the boat" isn't because she is too outspoken, but because they are African-American?
It seems to me that we as a society have moved beyond the whole First Lady presiding over tea era. Why shouldn't the presidency be a partnership where both spouses work together? That leads me to wonder if Laura Bush had been a real partner, would we have invaded Iraq?
Posted by: Heather | June 19, 2008 at 06:20 AM
On another note, I have been very disappointed in the last number of years by the way that publicly prominent Christian leaders have "preached" politics. Jesus said "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's; render unto God that which is God's." (Or something like that...)
I interpret that to mean that God isn't interested in *who* is running secular governments but that Christians *live* their faith as much as they preach it -- by obeying the laws of government as well as God's laws.
The purpose of the pulpit is to bring people closer to God, not tell us who to vote for.
Posted by: Heather | June 19, 2008 at 06:27 AM
Wow.. This is a very tough subject for me honestly. I'll tell you here to us 3 or so. I think the pulpit should guide us in our voting. I'm not say voting in a party (dem or Rep) But I think the pastors need to be strong in their own beliefs and say hey "here's your candiates.. here's their forums" You need to make a decision.
God I beleive wants us to make Good healthy choices even in modern day politics.
Now, Miss Obama, she should have a voice.. Everyone should have a voice. Proper etiquette of the "voice" may be necessary.
Here I am a 41 yr old mom struggling to get my "voice". I lived as a wife that was behind the scenes. But. GOD did some awesome work over the last 4-5 years to do what?? thanks for asking.
My 51 year old husband has early onset dementia, now I have to be the "voice" for my husband and my 3 kids, I have to have a career, and I am BLESSED to have a ministry. But I am no less of a woman because I'm learning or speaking in a louder "voice".
I'm glorifying God with my life.
Posted by: heidi | June 19, 2008 at 12:14 PM