Just

There is a word that bothers me.
As an adjective, its meaning is fine.
As an adverb, its meaning perturbs me.
It is used far too often as an adverb.

It is the word, just.
As an adjective, just means: guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness.
Its second definition is: done or made according to principle; equitable, proper.
Its third definition is: based on right; rightful; lawful.

It is the definition as an adverb that I have trouble with.
As an adverb, just means: by a narrow margin; barely.
Its second definition is: only or merely.
That is where I have a problem.

We use the word, just, in a demeaning way without ever realizing it.
We even put ourselves down when we use that word in a sentence pertaining to us.
We use it as a term of humility.
However, it actually lessens that which we are trying to convey.

The word, just, bothers me the most when it is used to describe a mother.
Particularly when it is used to describe a stay-at-home mother.
Often the woman herself will use the word in her description.
I am just a stay-at-home mom.

JUST a stay-at-home mom.
Army Generals couldn’t do what a stay-at-home mother does all day.
She wears so many hats, she resembles the peddler in the Caps For Sale book I read to my children.
There are multiple roles that fall underneath the umbrella of a stay-at-home mother.

She is a doctor, nurse, and teacher rolled into one.
She is a dietician, cook, baker, shopper, and inventory control clerk..
She is a chauffeur, sports mom, cheerleader, and on-call athletic trainer.
She is a seamstress, laundress, iron-er, and fashion consultant.

She is the the one who encourages, listens to dreams, and hears precious hearts.
She is the slayer of dragons and monsters under the bed, and the guardian of innocence.
She is the giver of baths, the reader of stories, and the only one that can tuck into bed properly.

She can easily topple under the weight of all her hats.
Sometimes she does.
A sticky, jelly kiss from her wide-eyed child chases away the dark clouds of weariness.
She can go a long way on a hug from her child.

She is the one who teaches her children to walk, talk, and take care of their personal needs.
She teaches them how to brush their teeth, comb their hair, and wash behind their ears.
She makes sure they know how to make a bed, do their laundry, and clean a bathroom.
She instills character in her children with every NO she says and every boundary she sets.

She is not JUST a mother.
She is the guardian of the next generation.
She is the one who cradles the future in her arms at night.
She is the one who will insure that they know how to read, imagine, and think for themselves.

She is the one who will teach her children about Jesus.
She is the one who will read the Word of God to them.
She is the one who will hear their prayers each night.
She is the one who will fervently pray for them.

A stay-at-home mom has a unique privilege to be home with her children.
It is a privilege she should not take for granted.
A mother that works outside the home is not JUST a mother either.
She is not JUST anything; she wears even more hats on her head and continually balances.

We women need to love and support all mothers.
The word, just, used as an adverb, should never be said.
We are not JUST a mother.
Motherhood is a calling.

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31:10-31)

Women often read this chapter of God’s Word and think they can never measure up.
They have used the word, just, even in their own minds.
This woman is an industrious woman.
God has placed her in His Word as an example.

We may not be buying fields or spinning flax, but we are just as busy for our family.
God has said something important in this chapter.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
There it is; there is not a hint of JUST!

There is one description where the word, just, applies.
It is the one time the word, just, is guided by truth.
A woman who is just a woman of God is everything.
She is just the kind of woman that God says we are to praise.