My Inbox of Daily Inspirations: Daily Heartlight -- January 13, 2008

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January 13, 2008

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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================

When the Sun Sets on Seno-Baani, by Christine Villas

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring
her praise at the city gate (Proverbs 31:31).

Africa has served as a mirror for me, reflecting back my own
perceptions -- my judgments and distortions. As I watched the women of
Burkina Faso, specifically the women in the village of Seno-Baani, an
immense respect for these committed, tireless, strong women planted
deeply within me. At the same time, an unexpected realization came to
the fore. I became aware of my own distortions about working women,
and, to my shame, I realized how these distortions have subtly poisoned
my perceived value of every American woman.

While in Burkina Faso, Africa, I observed many admirable qualities in
the African women. They are hard-workers and care-takers. They are
resourceful, hospitable, and elegant. Among their own people, their
motherhood is valued and their femininity is honored. Although the
gender roles differ, the men and women appear to be equals, not caged
in a hierarchy of competition and malcontent. Genders are
interdependent.

In terms of work, physical labor is not feared by the women. Pounding
millet or carrying gallons of water to and from the well are common
activities. I saw women work with others, whether with women, youth, or
children. It is uncommon for women to be seen working alongside men.
Oftentimes, children stay near their working mothers, whether strapped
to their mothers' backs, walking happily alongside, or running ahead of
them. The children are never left behind, even when mother visits the
well, prepares the meals, or sells goods at the market many miles away
from home.

The women are resourceful. A mother may go to market, selling soured
goat's milk, but also weave a mat while she waited for customers to
arrive. The mat may later be sold or used by the family. When the sun
sets, even after a full day's work under the 90 degree heat, the women
of Seno-Baani still manage to greet us, their visitors, with
white-toothed smiles and warm welcomes. The women seem unaffected by
the day's activities. Perhaps they understand these daily and necessary
work rituals ultimately benefit their families. These simple tasks then
become honorable work in God's economy; they are activities borne from
love.

The working women of Africa inadvertently became tools in the
refinement of my character.

The working women of Africa reminded me of the American women who daily
surround me. These African and American women are resourceful,
hard-working, and committed to the care of their families, from the
rising of the sun to its setting. Yet, upon my return to Chicago, I
recognized my judgments about household, domestic work which is mainly
still performed by women. I understand the various purposes for work --
utilitarian, expression of self, recognition. I also understand that
many American women will work for utilitarian reasons to provide for
their family. A housewife may endure her daily work activities as a
necessary routine for raising her children. Cooking meals, cleaning,
doing laundry, home-schooling children are the means to meet an end --
the nourishment and growth of her family. Yet even with this knowledge,
I have erroneously devalued a group who deserves honor and great
respect. I have given little value to the work of the American
housewife.

Prior to my visitation in Africa, my world view valued working women
who came from prestigious organizations and quality education. I
idolized women who emerged out of misfortune and sexist environments to
become wealthy, renowned, and respected. In many ways, the honor I gave
these women seemed harmless. They were leaders and role models to me.
Still, in my pursuit of excellence, I neglected to remember and value
the women who have formed and are forming me to become like the women I
admire and idolize. My mother cooked, cleaned, and cared for me, as did
my grandmother, aunts, and neighborhood mothers. I have neglected to
honor these. As a consequence, I have unwittingly devalued all the
American working women who form and are forming the beautiful people
around me.

I never expected my time in Africa to dislodge such well-nested burrs
in my world view. Yet, as humbling and embarrassing as the process has
been, I am grateful. The working women of Africa inadvertently became
tools in the refinement of my character.

Now, when I remember Burkina Faso, Africa, the culture, the people, and
the colorful sunsets of Seno-Baani, I will remember that women -- both
African and American -- labor sun-up to sun-down to raise children who
will one day grow to become beautiful adults. I will remember that
respect, honor, and admiration are earned, but also given; I should
never hesitate to adulate these who are most deserving. Lastly, I will
remember that it is God's creative way to use the most unexpected,
ordinary experiences to confound anyone, even the "wise." When I
remember the sunsets in Seno-Baani, I will remember all these things.

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(c) 2008 You may email Christine at cvillas@northpark.edu

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Daily Heartlight -- January 13, 2008