December 20, 2009 3:42 AM
Balancing politics plus hearth and home
From my Inbox:
I've been meaning to e-mail you for quite a few months now to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. You have opened my eyes to the arts (an area where I feel God missed me in the "artistic" gene!), plus you political commentary has kept me informed. I recently ordered your Mommy Manual to guide me in teaching my three young girls (ages 8, 6 and 4). We have quite a bit in common . . . . so that I feel you have become a mentor from afar for me in many areas of my life. I am wondering if you could give me some advice with a problem I have been having since before last year's presidential election. I find myself getting so upset, angry, depressed at the direction of your country and in particular, our culture, I have had a hard time focusing on enriching my children's education (they are public schooled but I do try to expose them to as much as possible living here) and our family. I know some of these same issues are on your mind as well. How do you look past it and focus on the day-to-day life of your family? During this year's Lenten season I actually gave up talk radio to try to help me control these feelings. Are other moms out there feeling as I do? I did see you on Glen Beck and have checked out the various political mom sites you have mentioned. Honestly, there are days when I wish I could go back to being ignorant about where our country is heading. Any advice you may offer in how to reset my priorities and start giving 100% to my family again would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all you do!
This is such a good question - and because this is an issue for so many of us, I'm looking forward to advice from readers here.
Especially pertinent because this month I've been urging everyone to focus their attention on home and family and Advent/Christmas - while keeping an eye on the political situation where so much is happening everyday.
It is hard because the political situation can seem overwhelming and - at this point where Congress is doing what they please with no regard for the will of the people - pretty hopeless. We may want to turn our backs on that aspect of life, but we know we can't. And we do feel the irresistible pull - which I believe is due to God welling up a reformation which will come from the women of our country.
The fact that you asked the question means you are halfway to the point where you will be able to balance it all. Women are so good at this. think of how sometimes you are overwhelmed with laundry, or with a specific child's needs. Our lives are all about multi-tasking, juggling acts and weighing priorities.
You are doing what you need to do: staying informed while raising your family. When you start to feel uncomfortable, look to God. I think you're right: when it feels hopeless and overwhelming, turn off talk radio and turn on Christmas carols/hymns/classical music. Always make time to sit down to read and to play with your children.
I have found great solace since September in identifying and sharing a Yahoo group with a group of sympatico women. We call ourselves Catholic Conservative Women of Loudoun and we go out to lunch once a month (for 2-3 hours). It is wonderful to have a support group where I feel connected on every level - spiritual, intellectual, political, cultural. We started with five people. You can even start with two. As someone who has spent her life as a "lone wolf" I have found that being part of this group is like connecting to a pacemaker. It helps tremendously as veer through our daily lives - from the political to the personal.
Whatever you do, don't stick your head back in the sand :) God will help you find the balance. I can't emphasize enough that this is exactly where God is moving right not to take back our country: in the hearts of women.
But it is our task to learn to act as soldiers on a battle front while keeping the home fires burning. We can do this. We are all learning. And your mentioning the arts is part of the solution: turn throughout the day to the beautiful, inspiring heritage we share of art and music to renew and refresh yourself and your family. Turn to the Bible - especially to Proverbs, which is all about balancing acts. Turn to daily Mass and family devotions.
You obviously are being guided by the Holy Spirit - going on a political fast when nudged to do so. But don't feel ashamed when you are in political battle mode - think Joan of Arc or the Christian women called to spearhead the abolitionist movement. Just remember that the Enemy would like to turn your energy into depression and guilt rather than the spiritual empowerment God wants for us to enable us to raise a generation that will recover our country.
Great inspirational movie: Mrs Miniver - at Amazon
Thanks for a great question - I'm eager to hear from other moms. Let's vow to pray specifically for each other and for this problem we all share.
~~~~~~~~~~
Art note: On the Balcony by Berthe Merisot
Posted in 9-12 Moms, Activism, Art, Mommy Patriots, Mothering | Permalink
Comments
I was so happy to read this this morning! I too feel overwhelmed by the politics of our day. Yesterday when I heaard that Sen. Nelson was going to vote for health care, my heart sank and I haven't been able to look at Drudge or listen to the news since. I find when things are getting me down, I turn from talk radio to Catholic radio. It has helped some, although they can talk a lot of politics too! I have been considering giving it up over lent as well, if I can muster the strength. I have to admit I am addicted to Glenn Beck as we don't have cable tv, he keeps me informed on many things. I love the idea of your meetings Barbara! I am going to look for something like that in our parish and area. Thank you, Merry Christmas and God bless!
Posted by: Erin | December 20, 2009 8:48 AM
Your reader's comments resonate with me. Sometimes it does feel overwhelming, and when I begin to feel that way, I remember a sermon a dear pastor in my past preached, just after 9-11. The message was, no matter what is happening in this world, God is on his throne. It is a comforting reminder. I think your advice to turn off the news and play with your kids is great advice. I don't comment often, but I read regularly and always enjoy your perspective.
Posted by: Musings of a Housewife | December 20, 2009 8:54 AM
:)!!!!!
Posted by: Amy | December 20, 2009 9:41 AM
I also wish I could turn the clock back to the "ignorant" person I used to be. Life was a lot less complicated then. However, I do feel like God is calling me - and a lot of other women - to be a voice crying out in the wilderness. Prayer has helped me to stay centered on who is REALLY in power and my complete trust is in HIM!! If he allows this evil and corruption then he will also bring good from it. I still get frustrated and angry but I just have to trust in God (listening to Christmas music has helped too)!
Posted by: Wendy | December 20, 2009 1:32 PM
I confess that this is a balance I have yet to find. I want to focus on my family, but I also want to make sure my kids have a free country to live in when they grow up.
I want to stay on top of everything that is happening and make an impact to change it, but I also want make sure that my family has the attentive wife and mother that they deserve.
As much as talk radio and the news can get me riled up, I've found satisfaction in doing what little I can to help build awareness. I write about them on my blog, and post links about significant stories on Facebook. It helps to know that I'm doing something about it, no matter how small.
Most of my friends from church are conservative, but only one is politically active. We've gone to pro-life and Tea Party rallies together. It helps to have a friend who shares both my faith and my political convictions.
I also recently joined my local chapter Americans For Prosperity. Most of these people have never been politically active before now, so it's a learning curve. But even though I can volunteer very little at this time in my life (with a new baby, toddler and preschooler), I find encouragement when I go to the meetings and see how many dedicated people in my neighborhood are taking up the fight. I know I'm not alone, and I know that the good fight is being fought even when I can't be there.
As for my family, I confess that I'm still on a learning curve. It's far too easy for me to lose track of time reading and blogging on the computer, which can leave my husband and children feeling neglected. I do my best to set limits and stick to them.
When it feels like I'm being pulled in too many directions and have too few hours in the day, I remember something I learned from a mentor of mine: "Do not be driven by the need, but be led by the Holy Spirit."
When Jesus walked the earth, the need was just as overwhelming as it is today. If you merely focus on the need, you'll burn yourself out trying to meet it.
Jesus said he was only doing what he saw his Heavenly Father doing at that moment. He didn't go crazy trying to "do it all". He didn't allow himself to become driven by the need. He simply followed the Holy Spirit's leading in each situation.
If we can learn to simply be obedient to what God has called us to do at any given moment (even it is just to pray), and surrender the rest to God, we can rest in His peace.
Put on some worship music, pray as you go about your tasks, and ask the Lord, "Father, what would you like for me to do right now?"
It's a balancing act, but with His guidance, we can find it.
Posted by: Rachel | December 20, 2009 3:33 PM
Thank you Rachel, that is such good advice! My priest told me recently to pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit and I don't think I fully understood what to pray for from Him until you explained the difference between following needs or the Spirit. Thank you!
Posted by: Sarah | December 21, 2009 10:18 AM
thanks for posting this barbara. this is something i've been struggling with, as well. i joined "asamom" but am the only one in my small town who is a member! i'm an introvert, so it doesn't come easy - but i'm learning to reach out. your yahoo idea is so good - i need to find one other conservative catholic in my area to join with me! - we all need a bit of encouragement to keep going, and to help keep our priorities in order.
and thank you, rachel for your advice.
Posted by: christine | December 21, 2009 2:41 PM
