Someone got a little note from me

Last night Paul and I were watching the local news and were shocked at the investigative report. We basically watched and listened to a story bashing many of our lifestyle choices. Paul watched as my body language and breathing changed to reflect my growing anger, and when the report was over he asks, "So, are you gonna email someone?" Yes, indeed. So here's the earfull this investigative reporter got from me.

"I am very disappointed in and offended by tonight’s one sided report. After seeing the title referring to Minnesota moms escaping their dominating husbands, I was prepared to watch a report of victims of abuse who were succeeding in escaping from their abusive partners. I was not prepared to view an entire segment bit by bit bashing many of the lifestyle choices that my husband and I have made and value.

While I have never heard of the Quiver Full movement and do not know all of their philosophies and teachings, I do know that my husband and I adhere to and believe in similar ideas. I do not believe the woman who was talking about her bad experience with the movement was a fair or full representation of the movement and it‘s beliefs, and the pastor and leader of MACHE was definitely not a fair and thorough defense. Trish did give a small disclaimer at the end attempting to validate all lifestyle and parenting styles, but by that point in the report people had already heard some very strong arguments against them and in no way provided for a balanced report.

Choosing to go against the grain of society is never easy, but a report like this is damaging and makes the arguments against so much stronger. I am proud to say that I support my husband as head of our house and in no way feel demeaned by it or less of a person for it; I choose to do it, and in return he respects me for the role I play in our home. Anyone who believes and teaches “wives be submissive to your husbands” also believes and teaches the counterpart “husbands love your wives as Christ loved the Church.” The respect is mutual and in no way demeaning.

I am also proud to say that we are a large home schooling family. You can ask any one of my children if they feel isolated, trapped, or lacking in friends and outside activities, and they will tell you no. In comparison to the young girl featured in the story proclaiming her freedom now that she is allowed to go to school and the fact that she has friends, my children will tell you that they are very much a part of the choice to stay home, and that they enjoy it.

As for the part of the story focusing on the promoted attire of skirts/dresses and birthing choices of women, why must is be seen as so derogatory that women would actually embrace there femininity and what our bodies were naturally created to do? There are many women who enjoy wearing longer/modest dresses; I have been surprised at the increase in courtesy especially from men when I am in a skirt. Maybe it’s because they can be a gentleman and be appreciated for it. As for homebirths, this trend is growing period and was given an extremely bad wrap. There is always risk for complications, and this woman’s story basically discredited the whole field dedicated to helping mothers bring their children into the world in the comfort of their home.

I would have hoped that Fox9 would have a more balanced story, and I think this was very irresponsible reporting. My husband and I were both offended and surprised and will be hesitant to return to your station for news."