All I can say about this poem is it was circulated to death in the Christian community last year, esp. the churches I'm affiliated with. While I understand its attraction to women who are mothers, I find it insulting against women who have spent half of their adult lives acquiring higher education and who work 40-70 hours a week in a professional career verses staying at home with children.

I think we have to respect all kinds of women, but my current pet peve are stay at home mothers who think themselves superior to women who work full time in professional careers. Mothers are demanding respect and want esteem for what they do; yet the career woman faces continued backlash from not only men who resent here incredible career accomplishments, but from her own gender who I believe, resent what she represents: a challenge to the long held role of women: as mother and housekeeper.

I am not a mother. I choose not to be. And frankly, I am no longer afraid to say publically, I am glad I am not a mother.

I used to be so afraid to say what I really believe. I faced years of ridicule, discrimination, and outright persecution in all the Christian circles for being a career woman.

So, whoever wrote that poem, quit trying to make what you do sound glamorous. It isn't. That why a lot of us are saying thanks but no thanks.

-- ******************************************************* June Narber AKA June Narber Harrison

jnarber@hercurian.com

June's Natural Healing Path

www.hercurian.com/juneshealingpath/index.htm

Mailing address: 6325-9 Falls of Neuse Road, #193, Raleigh, NC 27615

Voice mail: (919) 839-6930

*********************************** Reflections, January 2002 "Cycles" *********************************** All things begin, therefore all things must end. To every opening, there is a closing.

To every ending, a new beginning: A cycle of pain; a cycle of growth; and finally, a cycle of healing.

For every lesson learned, a painful mistake in memory.

Allows cycles to conclude, but do not be stuck in one. To be stuck in a cycle is to never learn, never change your behavioral patterns.

To heal, one must allow the healing cycle to take place: change, forgive, and grow.

The life cycle: birth, life, death, resurrection.

The work cycle: education, training, new job, job ends, new opportunity found.