The Narrow Way

I hopped on Substack and WordPress to find a creative space to write, but lately, the algorithm has been giving me whiplash. My feed is bombarded with polarizing views on the “roles” of Christian women, and frankly, it’s exhausting.

I find it difficult to reconcile the entirety of Scripture and the history of the family in biblical times with a view that suggests we exhibit Christ by alienating or looking down on women whose lives don’t mirror our own.

The Paradox of “Unlearning”

I often see women writing about what they had to “unlearn” when they transitioned to staying at home. I find those stories fascinating, and if that is your story, I would love to hear more in the comments. However, my testimony is the exact opposite.

I had to “unlearn” the idea that a woman must stay at home to be a “good, godly” mother. What I had to learn, instead, is that obedience pleases the Father. Dying to self as a woman of God isn’t about a specific location; it’s about being obedient in whatever season you are called to—whether that is inside the home, in the workforce, or a mix of both.

My Story

To offer some context: I am a professor. I am fortunate that my career allows me to be home with my children for three months of the year. For the other nine months, I am a working mom who feels right in the center of God’s will.

In both seasons, the “fruit” is the same:

• My children are thriving.

• My marriage is healthy.

• My home is tended to and my family is fed.

• My spiritual life is vibrant.

During the three months I am home, very little changes. There is perhaps more “rest,” but my family thrives equally in both circumstances. Yet, the current social media landscape often tries to tell me that I am not thriving—that my choices are inherently selfish or unbiblical.

Can we just be honest?

• To the woman at home: You are amazing and faithful, and I see your sacrifice. But I invite you to ask: Are you being obedient to the Lord, or are you just doing what someone told you was the “godly” thing to do?

• To the woman in the 9-to-5: Your choice to provide and serve is beautiful and sacrificial. But ask yourself: Is your work an act of obedience, or a self-serving escape?

Obedience is always the play, sis!  When I obey, I can find assurance in Scripture, my family thrives AND I thrive. Even on the hardest days, there is grace and I can confidently walk in it.

The Sacrifice of Mindfulness

I understand that writers feel called to specific niches. That is okay. But we must acknowledge that algorithms don’t “play nice”—they thrive on division.

Why can’t we be more thoughtful in how we approach the conversation of “roles”? We can properly embody Christ only when we leave room for those whose call to obedience looks different than ours. Our circumstances can vary wildly while still honoring the same Lord and the same Scripture.

Loving our neighbor doesn’t stop when we pull out our phones. We are called to honor our families, yes—but also to honor our sisters in the body of Christ. Every word we write carries the weight of accountability.

Women, we can do better. Myself included.

About the Author: Samantha is a professor, mother, pastor and writer dedicated passionate about spiritual formation and Biblical literacy. By examining the intersection of Scripture, history, and daily life, she seeks to help believers navigate the complexities of modern culture with biblical wisdom.