Yes, But Currently . . .

"I want to re-introduce you to Meggan, whom you've already heard play this morning. She is the daughter of Wanda Jackson, a beloved member of our church. Meggan received her Bachelor's degree in Violin Performance from George Mason University and her Master's in Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. She loves the Lord and has been a joy to meet. Please make her feel welcome as she comes again to bless us."

~applause~

Yes, all of that is true but my life is not defined by the schooling I completed 6 years ago. Currently, by God's grace, I serve my husband by keeping our home and educating our children. This is my true and perpetual calling as a woman, wife and mother. The business of marriage and family is much more important than a music education. This mission is my top priority behind which all other pursuits take a back seat. The vocational ministry I do in my home will endure for generations and echo throughout eternity. It doesn't stop if I break a finger or when I die.

A congregation may be touched in less than three minutes by playing a wooden box in a church building. The tones communicated through the sound system and reverberated off the walls can sway those souls toward Christ today and the event may be remembered for a few days or even a few weeks. But serving my family daily until age and decay dictates that I'm no longer able, will bear such a greater weight of glory than a temporary mastery of a wooden box whether that's over three minutes or thirty years.

It's a great testimony. Yes, I'm talented. Yes, I have cultivated that talent through acquiring many additional skills through countless hours of private instruction, practice and public performances. But, like a growing number of women, I have placed the Word of God and His charge to be a submissive wife and nurturing mother first and foremost over the constant attendance of a lifeless wooden box. This testimony demonstrates the grace of God, the power of Jesus Christ risen from the dead. Receiving the gift of faith unto salvation is a miraculous work. But a great number of women today who have been so blessed of God to receive it, still cling to feminist ideology when the Author and Perfecter of our faith has clearly shown in His Word what He desires for us as women to do. Women are challenged to be obedient to the Word in its entirety, not just in the passages that are agreeable or convenient and to embrace its truth with joy and conviction.

The glory of a career will always dull in comparison to the glory of children and grandchildren who walk in obedience to the LORD. When the days are difficult and the children put me at wits end, I look back and complain, "I'm talented, intelligent, articulate and well educated. I could have done this or that and been successful. Then I wouldn't be dealing with this right now." But then I remember how lonely I was. And I consider that I would be no better off than all of those other feminists who become grumpy, bitter, lonely old women who only have their "success" to keep them company at night. That "success" does not endure to the next generation - it ends at their retirement. Now they are purposeless and bored. They look back with regrets and a sense of hopelessness.

I don't want to be one of those women. I want to be obedient to Christ even if it stands in direct opposition to what society tells me I should be doing instead. I fear God, not the looks of disdain behind pointed fingers and whispered name-calling between critical gossips. God will vindicate me as He has for many other women who choose the same. It is a high and noble calling to embrace being a wife and mother. There are so many moments of joy - I wouldn't trade it for anything the musical or corporate world could offer. This is what those grumpy, bitter, lonely old women come to realize, but for many of them . . . it's too late.

When lying on my death bed, will I ask for my violin to provide comfort as I journey from this physical body to the spiritual realm? No! I will ask to be surrounded by the people that had the greatest impact on my life: my beloved husband, my precious children, my faithful mother and my brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a true statement you can take to the bank: Feminism is antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me.

~~~~~

In Matthew 6:24 Jesus said,

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."