Let me preface this article with a word of explanation. This is not to say that financial freedom and success are bad things. Quite to the contrary! But there is a serious ‘however’ that follows…..Furthermore, I am not saying that it’s a sin for a woman to work. What I am saying is that there is more to this phrase than we may think, initially.

Notwithstanding the initial intention of the phrase, the idea can be quite insurmountable. It neglects to include the most important aspects, and instead comes as an unreasonable expectation and competition between neighbors, strangers and friends. And it also comes as a pressure to achieve success at any cost, as the most important goal Americans can achieve, all while it discredits the enormously understated contribution of the homemaker, as most often achieving said goal requires a two income household. In fact, the implication of the phrase is that if you’re going to have all that America has to offer, you have to be willing to put work above everything else in your life and that you should be willing to do just that.

Success, as long as whatever that involves does not contradict the Will of God, is a great thing, as well as a blessing, but the phrase ‘achieving the American dream’ omits that which is most valuable and far more meaningful.

It may be difficult to wrap our minds around the degree of influence and the power of molding opinions that comes from this societal rhetoric. What results are major changes in cultural thinking, unless there is a purposeful, objective look at the bigger picture. Rather than just focusing on the initial excitement and self-promoting aspects of homeownership, everyone ought to make certain that they have considered every aspect of this heavy responsibility and how it applies specifically to them.

And even if we discover that we are prepared for such an undertaking…..great, but we ought not allow our pursuit and view of the American dream to become the most important thing in our lives. God is the most important focus we should have and abiding in His Will our most exciting dream.

The first time Americans heard this phrase, I believe it was in the late 50’s or early 60’s……(not that I was here in the 50’s…) We began hearing about it on the radio, on TV and in the check-out lines and across our neighbor’s fence. Perhaps it began harmlessly, just as a sort of revelation as to the incredible nation we are so blessed to enjoy and take advantage of, but Satan has most definitely been using it for his purpose of destruction, nevertheless.

Notwithstanding, as I mentioned in my preface, there is nothing wrong with success, but through Satan’s means of societal indoctrination, many married couples all around our nation have developed tunnel vision when it comes to reaching this sometimes unattainable goal, so much so that they are not even remembering to seek God’s Counsel on the subject or their prayer is just one of petition. They beg God to answer their prayer without making sure it’s what HE wants for them.

This goal of having it all, as a first priority: the most luxurious home, at least 2 cars in the at least 2 car garage, the 2 kids and the dog, complete with the invisible fence, is one of unrealistic materialism and self-importance, and not even worth the pursuit.

By the mid-60’s it started getting less popular for wives to stay at home and be full time homemakers and mothers. Wives, whether they were interested in pursuing a career or not, started getting out into the workforce in pursuit of the American dream.

But, even in the 1950’s many married women were complaining about how unfulfilled they were just staying at home and then there were those who helped out making supplies, etc… for our service men, but that was only the beginning.

As time has gone by, more and more women have been joining the workforce and trying to deal with the impossible challenge of keeping all their many balls in the air, especially if they have kids.

You may say God is old-fashioned, but He did make men and women to function in very different roles. The men go out and make the living, while the women keep the house clean and running smoothly. It works. It has worked for centuries. And they say when something is not broken, don’t try to fix it. (Now that phrase is benignly helpful no matter how loudly it’s declared!)

The phrase “achieving the American dream” may not have been initially used for any sort of evil intent, but the devil is crafty enough to use it against God-fearing America.

Because of the powerful influence of this phrase, people have reordered their priority lists, and perhaps do not even realize what they have compromised.

There is another phrase that comes to mind: ‘latch key kids.’ Kids coming home to an empty house and keeping the door locked and avoiding answering the phone until mom or dad gets home.

The term ‘homemaker’ should not come as an insult to women. Women who embrace this notion will find they are amazing partners for their husbands. Making sure dinner is ready every night at a certain time, keeping the house clean and orderly and caring for the kids as only their own mother can are beautiful things in the Eyes of God. This sort of wife repairs things so that they do not have to be repurchased, like sewing a torn seam. And saving money by sewing is only a one small example; there are many more ways that a wife can help keep household expenses down. By being there in the home, she is always available for whatever needs doing and for those things she cannot do herself, she quickly sees and can get word to her husband before the problem worsens. Moreover, she can use her God-given talents and gifts to earn money.

Satan has used and will continue to use the pursuit of the American dream as a weapon to dismantle the family unit. Since women have been in the workforce, the divorce rate has soared. It’s not easy keeping a marriage happy, and with the added stress of a 2 income household, many ought to consider, is the tradeoff really worth it?

I think it started out as a good and exciting idea and Satan turned into a trap, simply by using the phrase…..achieving the American dream.

Just consider those words. The dream of having it all. Great financial gain is only the first hurdle, but the compromise of the family is where the real problem comes in and it’s the domestic front that suffers the most. The domestic front that God intended as the family’s pillar of strength, has been compromised…..

And as the pressures of life continue to worsen with inflation, which is especially apparent in the housing market, God would have wives go back to packing lunches, sewing holes, clipping coupons, making lower budget meals and figures out ways of bringing in extra money, any other helpful suggestions that He puts on their hearts and in their heads….

      ...........................................................................................

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above the rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:10-31, nkjv)

Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.