A French woman by the name of Corinne Maier has recently published a book in which she lists forty reasons why no one should ever have children. A mother of two herself, she says that she really regrets having children, and resents how she became a traveling baby bottle, how she lost her friends, and how the pain of childbirth is torture. She is a strong advocate for women to remove themselves from the traditional “soccer mom” role (yes, there is an equivalent to this expression in French) and to think of themselves, their figures, and their romantic lives first.
I have been amazed at the response to this lady’s book. All over the Internet, mother and father bloggers have risen up to list their forty reasons why we should have children. It’s been a heartwarming tribute to the power of motherhood and I love seeing the joy these women radiate as they describe warm hugs, sticky kisses, little baby feet, the pride they take in watching those little feet learn to walk, and the sense of self-worth that comes from hearing those little lips say, “I love you, Mommy.”
We’ve been told that the family is under attack like never before, and we’re certainly seeing this all around us. Ms. Maier’s book is evidence to me that the value of raising a family is not recognized by many. Thank goodness for these men and women all over the Internet who are raising their voices in support of the family. I’m proud to add my voice to theirs and say, I am so grateful for my family and my children. I would not trade one moment of this hectic, crazy life for all the money in the world. My children bring me joy, happiness, and fulfillment. I love looking into their eyes and seeing the all the possibilities that exist for their futures. I thrill every time I hear them make a comment about the Gospel – they really get what it’s all about and I love it when they talk with utter trust about their Heavenly Father.
Ms. Maier has reached some unfortunate conclusions. I’m sorry she’s chosen to be so miserable. But we know that we have a choice – we can choose to take joy in the journey, or we can choose to wallow in the minor crises that do pop up when you’re a mother. How grateful I am for eternal perspective and to understand why motherhood is the greatest of all callings.
Related Blogs:
A Mother’s Influence: Raising Children to Change the World
Why Is It So Hard to Be a Mother?