About a month ago I attended a wonderful gathering with a handful of women who were interested in gaining a biblical perspective on our role in our homes. We were introduced to an amazing book by Devi Titus, “The Home Experience “ and seven principles that she sees as critical to the restoration of our families.
- The Dignity and Sanctity of the Home
- The Also Principle
- The Use-What-You- Have Principle
- The Table Principle
- Personality Dynamics
- Reducing Family Conflicts
- Honoring Your Husband
I will be sharing with you my thoughts on each of these principles in a series of blog posts, starting today. If this is an area that touches your heart, make sure you keep checking back or subscribe to my posts via reader or email so you don’t miss them.
I want to provide an overview today on a term that I had never truly embraced, “Keeper of the Home”. As a wife, mom, step-mom, daughter and coach for moms I never really understood completely the role that God has for women in the home. Maybe I knew it underneath all the other influence that comes bombarding us as wives and mothers – ultimately breaking down our own true desire to build a place of love and peace for our families, but what a relief for me to have it brought to the surface.
In her book Devi Titus refers to Titus 2:3-5, where God clearly defines the responsibility that women have to preserve feminine responsibilities and values. In the King James version it specifically uses the term, “keepers at home”. The Greek translation comes from two words, meaning “dwelling” and “to guard”. So the woman is to guard her dwelling. In today’s practical translation it means that women are to be fully aware of all the activities that go on in her home. Become fully aware that you set the tone in your home; providing structure, routine, peace, a place of comfort and so much more.
As Devi states, she feels “the reason our lives have become so confused and anxiety-filled is that we have lost our focus on the worth and value God places on the home.” I completely agree. When we as women take our role seriously and return our focus to the home, society will improve. This is where all is learned, life is made and relationships formed from the beginning. Your family will be strengthened in a way that can never happen in any other venue – the old saying, “Home is where the heart is” is as true as it gets!
In the past month I have seen how it is my responsibility to my family and especially to my husband to be taking this role seriously. Even if you are a single mom or not yet married, you are still the ‘Keeper of the Home’; you are still responsible for knowing what is going on in your home and to be fully aware of what could possibly be trying to invade your home as well.
Before you get overwhelmed thinking that you cannot take on another “responsibility” because you are barely holding on with what you have, I ask that you just take some time and sit with this concept. Being ‘Keeper of the Home’ does not necessarily doing more; it can definitely mean doing less better! Providing a place of love and peace for your family is your ultimate God given role, and I can’t wait to share this with you further.
You can also purchase the book, “The Home Experience” and have on hand an incredible resource for your own home which will provide additional resources as I touch on these principles. She has a new book out that is a wonderful addition called, “The Table Experience.” Treat yourself to TWO great books, or put them on your gift list!
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filed with rare and beautiful treasures.” Proverbs 24: 3-4
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I look forward to reading this series. I’ve always wanted to be a mom, a stay-at-home mom. Even so, I struggled in the early days with my worth, since I wasn’t working and contributing financially. Thankfully my Hubby appreciates me. When people would ask me what I did I would say I’m just a housewife. I wouldn’t dream of saying that anymore. I’m a wife, a mom, a homeschooling parent, a homemaker! I love the term Keeper of the Home. I subscribe to an Amish/Mennonite magazine called Keepers at Home that has really helped me embrace my role and cherish it.
Thank you for your comment and the mention of the magazine – I will have to check it out! Society has degraded the role of homemaker and it is time to turn the tables! I hope you enjoy the series and encouragement it will bring to you! You do have THE MOST IMPORTANT job, even when your paycheck is not cash!
‘housewife’ ‘homemaker’ or any other title…. the truth is whatever we like to call ourselves as wives, moms and individuals the decision to stay at home is equally tough, responsible, glamorous and worthy of admiration as the decision to work and make a financial contribution.
You are so true that society has degraded the role of ‘women who stay home’ since there is no tangible/financial outcome. In reality, being the ‘keeper of your home’ is the most daunting, satisfying and inspiring experience. Really liked your article and your views on this topic.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your comments, especially the aspect that it is such a tough decision for us as women, whether we are stay-at-home, work-from-home or work-outside-the home, our role is still the same, to provide for our families a place of peace and love and to be the ‘Keeper of our homes’. I hope you will stay tuned for the rest of the series. Blessings to you and your family!
Susan, Hurray. I love it that you are doing this and look forward to hearing more. I have been so impowered since the Home Experience in making choices based on the priorities listed in Proverbs 31. You are right in that it isn’t an addition of one more thing to do. Rather it frees you to do less in some ways so that we accomplish more. Love and Hugs, Brenda
Thank you for kind comments! I hope others see the joy that can come from truly focusing more on the home and the true value that is held there! Blessings to you Brenda!
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