College Part 2

I realize my article What about College? wasn’t very clear on what my family and my convictions on this subject are. First of all, I don’t believe college is wrong for women at all.  If a woman can live in an environment where she is under godly authority and in covenantal relationships, college may be a good option.  God’s pattern for accountability has always been the family.  It has only been in the last 50 years or so that it has become normal for a woman to leave the family environment and go out “on her own.”  It is not higher education that it is the issue; it is the living out of the independent, unaccountable lifestyle that is wreaking havoc upon women in our culture.  Women are to use their minds, but this can be done within the protected environment of my family and church.  We as Christians need to examine the culture around us and determine if the norms in our society are really based upon biblical principles.

            Secondly, we follow Scripture, not the world. Our first priority is the specific commands of Scripture for women (Love husband and children, wash the saint’s feet, etc.) If we have time to learn and do what the Scripture says and still have time to gain some form of higher education, that’s great. In fact, I should have made it more obvious previously that I will consider getting a college degree at home (whether by online programs or taking CLEP tests, etc.) if I have time after learning the more important things.
            Thirdly, my goal is to use my gifts to glorify God and further His kingdom operating in the Biblical pattern for women. If college or some form of higher eduation will further that purpose, I will pursue it. The picture is much larger that "being a homemaker." Many people imagine stay-at-home women to be bound-to not be able to accomplish their full potential. Far from it, God's pattern frees up women so that we can accomplish far more through God's grace. When a women goes out into the world without protection, she binds herself to people that might want to hurt her, to guilt, to bitterness...the list goes on and on. Instead, when a women is protected she is able to fully express the gifts God has given her. Yet she can only do so within the liberty of God's law.  

            College and homemaking can compliment each other. I know many young ladies who have been able to attend college while still living under the protection of their families and are great homemakers. I’m just not sure that that will work out for me. I think it’s possible as well for a woman to have a job and still be under God’s will. Some single moms have to get a job to support their families. However, such a case is an exception, not the norm. I think So Much More by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin explains this issue well.

            Like all of us, I am constantly being sanctified and “renewing my mind in the blood of Jesus.” The last few days I’ve had the opportunity to clarify with my parents what we believe about this issue.

-Jewel

Dieum declectare, Dieu laudes decorare

           

           

What about College?

            My family and I were at our local caucus last night. I was sitting in the back sewing when a lady leaned back in her chair. “Where are you going to go to college?” she asked. It wasn’t a bad question. Seeing that I am in my high-school years, it is a normal question to ask to get a conversation going. For me, however; the question hit like a hammer. It wasn’t as if I hadn’t thought about the matter before. I knew my answer.   It was at that moment that I realized my long-hidden thoughts would have to become words.

            “Well, I’m actually not going to college…” I tried to explain softly so as not to distract the meeting. “I’ll be pursuing some of my own study as well has helping some ladies in our church. My goal is to be a homemaker...” Thinking back, I probably could have explained it better. Yet, it caused me to think about a better answer for the future.

            Why am I not going to college? It’s not that I would be unable to enter one. With the privileges of home education, receiving a scholarship would be no difficult task. The question is, would going to college help me in my goal to achieve my life purpose as a woman of God? Would I have time if I were to go away to college to prepare more important skills in homemaking?  In Titus, Paul specifically calls the younger women to be “keepers at home.” How can I be a keeper at home if I’m out in the workforce every day? The Proverbs 31 women works mainly at home; her husband is in the gates. This does not mean I will not be working. Far from it, raising a family is a full time job.

            Some have raised the question of home education. Wouldn’t college enable me to teach my children better? I’m not so sure. I believe I can learn more at home studying what really matters. Most likely my children will take a different course in life that I will. If I were to receive a degree in Chemistry, say, what if my children decide to become musicians? In addition, there are hundreds of resources out there to help me teach my children should they decide to go into a specific field.

            Our modern culture has turned college into a place to hang out and try life on your own instead of a positive learning atmosphere. Youth are so excited to leave for college so they can be “on their own” without the authority of their parents. However, while away, many foolish choices are made that will bruise these youth for the rest of their life. Following the biblical model of a women staying under the authority of either her father or husband helps avoid many of these mistakes.

            What am I to do with my time? The years between high school and marriage are an opportunity many women miss to serve their families and churches and to grow in their relationship with Christ. Being a help-meet to our mothers and fathers will train us to be good helpmeets for our future husbands. The time we are able to spend building relationships with our siblings will greatly edify our relationship with our own husband and children someday. These years are a great opportunity to further our education at home as well, whether it’s reading, online courses, or attending some classes at a local community college. Even more, the churches of today are sorely lacking young women to help young mothers, organize events, and encourage the younger generation. This time-period is also an opportunity for building our own skills, whether it’s music, writing, cooking, art or whatever. Someday our husbands will greatly appreciate our gifts as we use them to support their dominion work.

            I have also known many young ladies who have been able to start their own entrepreneurial endeavors or work for their fathers’ or brothers’ businesses. Although I hate math, I have a feeling I’ll be the one doing the bookkeeping and accounting work for my brother’s construction business. (I already am helping him some…today I was out there in the 30 degree weather helping him raise framing for our house’s extension!)

            I’m not saying college is inherently sinful. I believe it is fine for men to pursue brick and mortar colleges if it will help them provide for their families and if they are accountable to a solid church or family. Neither do I think it is sinful for women to go to college unless they refuse to be held accountable. Yet, I firmly believe women can attain something much higher by embracing God’s pattern of life.

            Well, I’m afraid such an answer will not due for caucus meetings…I’ll have to think of something shorter…!