Throughout history it has always been that the women was to stay at home and do the tasks of cleaning and cooking. Yet, as time has gone on we are now able to see that the women of the world are capable of doing so many great and wonderful things to help others and to change the world. The Women’s Rights Movement has made it possible for women to receive education and work in careers that they haven’t always been a part of. Although this change has been wonderful, we can also see how Satan has pushed it to the extreme, enforcing the idea that men and women should be not only equal but identical. I think it’s important to distinguish between these two words: equal and identical. In terms of marraige, to me, equal means that one person is not higher than the other. Both husband and wife have just as much of a say in any important decision. Identical is not the same as equal. It means that they are exactly the same. This is just not true. Women and men were created with different body types, ways of thinking and talents.
When I think about equality I am reminded of my parents. Growing up, both my parents worked and shared the load. Both parents did what they could to help when required. It was normal to see my dad doing laundry and cooking dinner and it was just as common to see my mom mowing the lawn. They shared the responsibilities of raising a family and keeping a home and both had an equal say when it came down to decisions.
My wife on the other hand was raised in a very traditional home where her Dad worked and her Mom stayed how to take care of the kids and home. Though the way in which they managed the affairs of the home was different, I would also say they had an equal partnership. They were both happy with their contributions and felt supported by the other.
I think how we choose to manage our homes and raise our family doesn’t matter as much as the way we support each other. During this time of our lives I have been pursuing my education and my wife has taken care of our children, home and worked. When I can I do my best to help her by cooking, cleaning the house or doing the laundry. She knows if I need her help, I am there. I will never tell her, “That’s your job,” and neither will she.
As we raise our family, I plan to teach my children that equality between man and women is a great lesson that they need to learn. I hope that through my example of the way that I treat their mother, with respect and listen to her thoughts and decisions. That my children will see that marriage is an equal partnership. As well I hope that they will be able to learn that, when they are married they should help out in any degree they are capable.
Family Thought Tank 