Motherhood involves some heavy lifting. Yet, when we as a society give this foundational role its due, the burden is light. RATI supporter Rosa Braden explains.

Imagine a society trying to build itself up to be glorious and productive … without a single mother. Seems rather impossible, right? Yet this is the vibe women are getting from many groups in our society, especially so-called “feminist” groups. The message seems to be that mothers are not needed; nor is motherhood even to be desired because children are seen as an inconvenience, something to be put up with until they can finally move out. The vibe is that it’s best to avoid children as long as possible, if not forever. These beliefs neglect to see these “inconveniences” as a group of unique individuals with gifts to be shared with the world — yes, even and especially, at the stage of childhood! How many adults would not glean a bit of hope from a tiny, cooing, rosy-cheeked newborn or a smidgen of joy from watching a toddler precariously waddle up and down the path? This joy alone is already a great gift for our world, not to mention the profound power of hope that new life contains.

All this is not to mention that they are the literal future of society.

Motherhood is the toughest and definitely the least glamorous role I’ve ever taken on, but it is also the most rewarding and joy-imparting, second only to being a wife. Though I could do without the stinky diaper changes or the sleepless nights of cleaning up after sick children, I would do all of it over again (and will!) because I love my children deeply, and their existence alone is rewarding enough. However, a good cuddle around my legs, soft kiss on my eyelids, or my 18-month-old toddling around the house singing the theme to a Spaghetti Western at the top of his lungs – “wah, wah, wah!” – are deeply rewarding as well.

It’s places like Room At The Inn that are wise enough to acknowledge that not only does every child mean the building up of society but also that they each possess great gifts that must be allowed to be nourished and imparted on the world. And wise enough to see that the child’s mother must not only be allowed the chance to be a mother but be supported in her motherhood. In this way, this amazing individual may not ache alone in the pains of motherhood but also come to rejoice and bask in the glory of it as well.

Rosa Braden is mother to five children ages 8 to 5 weeks in-utero and a wife of almost 10 years with the love of her life. She stays at home full-time and, since she has nothing else to do (!), homeschools the eldest two children while the younger ones practice their gifts of creativity on the wall or kitchen floor.