 Last summer I read an article lauding "the housewives" of history. (See www.oriononline.org.) Among those cited were the widows of 9/11 victims whose efforts led to the 9/11 Commission; Lois Gibbs, who founded the Love Canal Homeowners Association; the "Women Strike for Peace," who were instrumental in nuclear test bans; and the Mothers of
the Disappeared in Argentina. All these women did Acts of Justice.
Because they care for and about children, women and mothers have a special affinity for acts of justice. Especially when it involves the health and safety of children and families, justice is a more intimate issue for women. They seem to have more empathy for all humanity, to envision that even an enemy is someone's child and that there is a mother somewhere who will mourn her child's death.
Of course, I'm doing some pretty broad, and perhaps unfair, generalization here. I'm perfectly willing for any men and fathers who read this to disagree and offer a different viewpoint.
All this is to say that I suspect most Sprouts leaders are women. Many may be "just housewives," mothers, and volunteers in the church. Women have traditionally been over-represented in Christian education, in part because women weren't in the workforce. Sprouts leaders have a unique opportunity to work for justice AND a calling to nurture spiritual disciplines in children. Although some people discount the "stay at home mom" or anyone who doesn't have a high paying occupation, Christians are called by God to be faithful, not successful by society standards.
"The Housewife Theory of History" attests to the reality that faithfulness, determination, and caring can accomplish much. Therefore,
this is a word of encouragement and gratitude for all Sprouts leaders, especially any who feel that being a volunteer with children isn't all that important. Never underestimate what a few faithful and determined children and their leaders can accomplish for Christ in the world.
••••
Edie Harris is a layperson in the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and co-author (with Shirley Ramsey) of Sprouts.
Return to Covenant Discipleship Qurterly (Spring 2006) Home Page
Text Only Version
|
