The cloak of anonymity

So, folks, have you been keeping up with the latest comments on my posts? You may be wondering why I'd let anonymous comments like these pass through. My blog is not "public", since we've always had it set where only the people we gave the address to could view it intentionally. People can also find me from other friends' blogs, but they can't just stumble on my site by accident.

Which makes me wonder...why be anonymous? I assume I don't know you, "anonymous" (or if I do, then you don't really know me.) So if you're a stranger who came across my blog from another like-minded woman's site, you must be truly looking for some sort of validation of your worldview. Why else would you take the time to surf the blogs of those you so vehemently oppose?

Anonymous, I know you mentioned (in a comment I filtered)that you were not going to be reading here anymore, which may be true. Nevertheless, it's my blog. So I get the fun of having the last word! There are some things you said that just beg for a response. I'm taking the bait.

First, you suggested that children should be taught to help themselves so they can function in the world. I wholeheartedly agree! Most homeschoolers are excellent about passing on life skills to their children, not merely in the isolated context of a classroom of peers, but in...you guessed it...the REAL world! They learn to help not only themselves, as the individualistic government school system can foster, but to assist their parents, siblings, neighbors, church community, and strangers. Age-appropriate life skills are practiced on a daily basis as chores are done, errands are run, household/financial duties are completed, acts of service are extended, and interaction with various age groups is lived out.

My three and a half year old puts away dishes, folds laundry, helps with food preparation, dresses herself, makes her bed, sweeps, vacuums, cleans up her messes, and assists me with the baby. Now on the other hand, you're completely right about my 11-month-old. He's a total slacker. He's lousy at scrubbing toilets, and I don't think the little moocher has taken out the trash a day in his life. I'd better crack that whip a bit harder.

Secondly, "Anonymous", you mentioned that my husband and I have placed these burdens upon ourselves, so I should quit whining. Hmmm. I could've sworn I called my children blessings, and not burdens, and after re-reading my post, I fail to see it as whining. (And I know whining! It's not allowed in this house, so if I came across as whiny, please tattle to my husband so I can receive proper discipline.) Yes, we've put ourselves in this position. My husband works hard, by the sweat of his brow, so that I can be free to stay at home raising our children. We don't drive fancy cars, we don't wear designer clothes, and we don't take extravagant vacations. Surprisingly to some, none of this "sacrificing" feels like a sacrifice. And it was all discussed, planned, and intentional. (As for having more children than the American average of 2.5, we know how that came about, too, and we're willing to trust in the Lord's provision for our growing family.) Ahem.

Moving right along, there's the subject of my circle of friends' "weird religion" that brainwashes our kids and keeps them from the "real" world. (By the way, our definition of what constitutes the 'real world' probably differs tremendously, but that's another subject.) I confess: it is a 'weird' religion, indeed, and has been considered such throughout history. We are Christians, followers of Christ, who was God in the flesh and now reigns, seated at the right hand of God. Because we know that all things center around Christ, our lives often look very different from those of the world around us. We love, encourage, and support others (such as our brothers and sisters in Christ) because the Word of God tells us that this is the second greatest commandment. (After loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.) You also may accuse many of us of sheltering our children. I have a shocking confession to make: we feed and clothe them, as well! (gasp)

You mentioned that we sound like women on the 'Ellen Show' and make you want to puke, and accuse us of being "women who have to glorify each other because no one else will". I disagree. We have no desire to bring glory to any person other than Christ, but often do so through the edification of others. And we are certainly not seeking the 'glory' that comes from the fame and fortune of the world.

Lastly, "Anonymous", I apparently gave you the impression that I feel sorry for myself. On the contrary, I consider myself blessed beyond measure, certainly beyond what I deserve, through the blessings that come from being in Christ. Not only is my eternal salvation secured through His blood, but my life here on earth is rich and full because I have a purpose and a hope. This certainly does not mean I will not have trials, such as those I shared a few days ago. I've been promised those, along with persecution, if I'm a faithful servant of Christ. But when I hear the bitterness, anger, and hatefulness in your comments, it only makes me sad for you. I'll pray that one day you might be drawn to love Christ, so that your life may be filled with the same love, joy, purpose, and encouraging circle of friends that come only through Him.