Confessions of a "Home Depot Dropout" - Part 1 of 5

Posted on Saturday, August 4, 2007 at 03:49

   Alright.  I confess.  I’m a “recovering Home Depot drop-out.”  It’s taken over 30 years to get there.  But I’m learning.  Slowly.  Gingerly.  One tentative, teetering step at a time.

   What do I mean? 

   Well, as I’ve alluded to in prior postings, I finally got to the point where I’ve “had it” with most of the programs, small groups, Bible studies, curricula, seminars, books, classes, lectures, videos and “How-To Fluff” that constitutes “women’s ministries” these days.  I’ve participated in more “ladies groups” and ministries than I can shake a stick it over the past 30+ years, and I’m…. well… tired.  As in, “Been there.  Done that.  Can we move on??!!” 

   Walking into the standard, garden variety “women’s Bible study,” I sometimes wonder if I haven’t made a wrong turn and wound up in Home Depot instead.  You know, the “How To” aisle.  IMHO, way too many “women’s ministries” inevitably revolve around How To.  Like, How To: be saved.  Have a quiet time.  Pray.  Study your Bible.  Be a godly wife, mother, friend, and the notorious “help meet.”  Raise smiling, obedient, angelic children.  Live within a budget, prepare balanced meals, shop with coupons, romance and support your spouse, communicate with your teens, be a responsible voter, volunteer and Sunday school teacher, be submissive, evangelize, and minister to family, friends, Romans and fellow countrymen while juggling the local coffee klatch and carpool club.  Or how 'bout this: How To be Cindy Crawford, Betty Crocker, Martha Stewart, Madame Curie, Sophia Loren and Mother Teresa all in one package.  "Just add women's ministries, stir, and presto-change-o!" 

   Excuse me?

   Another trip to that “Home Depot” is enough to tucker me out—not to mention bore me out!  Why?  It would take a separate book to answer that question en toto.  So let me "cut to the chase" and cite just one example: MotherWise Ministries* of Houston, Texas.  (In case you’re wondering, I’ve singled out MotherWise for two main reasons: 1) I’ve had recent, first-hand experience with this outfit.  2) It’s fresh in my mind.  Nothing personal.) 

   MotherWise is, in the organization’s own words: “Bible Study · Prayer · Mothering Skills” and “a lifeline for mothers of all ages and stages providing the Biblical instruction moms need to thrive in today's chaotic, changing society. Denise Glenn's Bible Study materials will take you deep into God's Word to find the answers you seek to build a solid marriage and rear godly offspring.”

   Quick!  Hand me another widget! 

-- Continued in Part II --