This is a statement I heard many times growing up in the sixties. The world used this phrase back then to mean that all a wife needed to do was to stay at home, have babies, cook, and clean for her husband. Attitudes about women have changed considerably since then, but not always for the better. A Christian woman has an important "place." It entails much more than a clean house, ironed shirts, and dinner on the table at six. She has the distinct pleasure, honor, and responsibility of caring for her husband and children. It's not just their physical needs, or a high school football game, but concern for their spiritual needs as well. (See Proverbs 22:6) She not only needs to make sure their Bible lessons are done, but also to encourage them in family Bible studies and daily scripture readings. She and her husband set the example for their children's studies. In 2 Timothy 2:15, we read "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

"In her place," a Christian woman can teach and be an example to the younger women and children. "The aged women likewise that they be in behavior as becometh holiness... teachers of good things; That they may teach the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children." {Titus 2:3,4} She and her husband should be given to hospitality. "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach." {1 Timothy 3:2}

A Christian woman can encourage and admonish her brethren with love and concern. A sister should visit and bring in food to the sick members of the congregation. (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9) She is to be a helpmate to her husband. "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones." {Proverbs 12:4} Also, read 1 Timothy 3:11.

There is a lot a Christian woman can do "in her place," both at home and in the church. One of my favorite Old Testament passages, Proverbs 31:10-31, describes the traits of a good woman. She should not usurp the authority that God gave to man. There are many denominations that allow women to preach from the pulpit. "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." {1 Timothy 2:12} A Christian woman has enough to do to keep her busy and faithful in the sight of the Lord. She shouldn't have time for gossiping and backbiting. "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not."{1 Timothy 5:13} Also, read 1 Peter 3:1.

The world would have us to believe that a woman cannot and should not be fulfilled as just a wife and mother. The world today says she needs to go outside the home and church for total fulfillment. The Women's Lib movement says she should put a career ahead of having children, or put her children in daycare to pursue that career. This leaves someone else, rarely a Christian, to influence the child eight to ten hours a day. The world has created the "Supermom" image. A woman should be a super-wife, mom, employee, chauffeur, and the list goes on. There is nothing wrong with a woman working outside the home. Today's economic problems often substantiate her doing so. She does, however, need to evaluate her motives. Is she working to help the family make ends meet, or to escape her responsibilities at home? Is her income a necessity, or the way to get a bigger house and a newer car? Does her family suffer because she has a career? On the other end of the spectrum, there's nothing wrong with a Christian woman staying home to raise a family either!

In conclusion, I'm quite happy to stay "in my place." There's a lot to do there! I used to say I was just a wife or just a mom, but I don't anymore. No one is just an anything. Each of us has gifts and talents. We need not limit ourselves by such small definitions. God loves a righteous woman. If you've been influenced by a Christian woman, give her your thanks, and share that influence daily with those you meet.

The writer of this article wanted to remain unknown. Sad, it is a good article!