The opportunity cost of “woman-slaughter”

A mum said the other day that “motherhood albeit a tedious task is often referred to as rewarding”. It is evident that some women, married or not, desire to have children of their own but struggle to see a practical manifestation of this desire in their lives. Many in our society would certainly frown at any mother who portrays some signs of fatigue or dares complain with regards to their motherhood journey. Other strongly opinionated persons might even call such a mother ungrateful.

This mum proceeded to ask other mums in her community to describe ‘motherhood’ in one word. Vocabulary went flying off in all directions. There was an outpouring of several perspectives as expected. I gave it some thought and in the moment all that came to me was “WOMAN-SLAUGHTER”. How weird considering what the dictionary definition of manslaughter is.

Manslaughter /ˈmanslɔːtə/ the crime of killing a human being without malice aforethought, or in circumstances not amounting to murder.

Question is why woman slaughter though? Right from the moment conception takes place, a woman’s body begins to metamorphose in order to create, birth and nurture another human being. This takes a toll on her anatomy and impacts her life physically, emotionally, psychologically etc etc. The gamut of experiences that women go through is unique for each and can almost never be compared regardless of the sample size under consideration. There definitely are some similarities in what certain women deal with regarding their birth journeys.

Men on the flip side also deal with their own trolley of baggage however as a woman my perspective on their struggle will be very limited. I will therefore just focus on the feminine side of life. I neither intend to exaggerate nor undermine anyone’s pain or struggle with my perspective on this matter. Now to answer the question on my choice of words; ‘woman-slaughter’! It is incredible how much women deal with on a daily and especially when children come into play in their lives. From taking career breaks, to being undermined in the workplace, to juggling motherhood-school-career-religious and social commitments. Ha! The list can go on and on.

Many women maintain a high head and a gentle smile just to keep putting one foot before the other. It’s almost like living a facade to ensure that our families, jobs and society as a whole are well catered for. No woman wants to ever look and even deeper, feel like a failure. How often have women not shelved their visions for later or killed their dreams and passions altogether just to ensure that life is seemingly normal and comfortable for everyone else but themselves? The opportunity cost paid can be so expensive sometimes but we convince ourselves that it is worth it.

Have you ever thought about the following… ( I am sure many have but dare not say it out loud). Why is it easier for you to sacrifice so much to portray a seemingly perfect life while hurting inside however it is so tough to embrace living in the perfect will of God and walking strictly by His ordinances? Do I still have your attention please?This question is not to just women, it is also to men. Is it not an even more rewarding price to pay to know that living right with Christ here on earth assures you of a better life in eternity?

The good book says “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. – Matthew 16:25-25 (NLT)”

Submitting your will in its entirety seems like a very huge risk to take as far as common sense is debated based off of man’s wisdom. The best investment to make for eternity is to surrender your life, your will, completely to Jesus Christ. It is the most rewarding “WOMAN-SLAUGHTER” to engage in. Is it an easy path to take? Certainly not!, however Gods word promises that:

The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. – Isaiah 58:11

I pray that you will not be led by life’s circumstances but by the Holy Spirit. I pray that your heart will be filled with contentment. I pray that you will see and hear the voice of the Most High God. I pray that you will manifest your dreams and visions according to God’s divine purpose for your life. And above all may you find fulfillment and satisfaction and may your joy be full all the days of your life. Stay topped up and prayed up in Jesus Name, Amen.

Love, Esinam.