Today I was at the grocery store and on the way out got caught in a torrent of rain and hail (don't even get me started about the fact that it's hailing in May). Anyhow....I'm dashing through the downpour with my shopping cart, I arrive at my car, pop the trunk, start my mad rush to unload the groceries when a man comes over and says, "hurry and jump in the car, I'll unload these for you". I, of course mortified at the thought of this poor guy stuck out in the downpour, unloading my groceries while I'm nice and cozy in my car, told him, "oh no, thank you so much, but I can't let you do that". He said that he was at least going to help and proceeded to quickly empty out my cart and then insisted on returning it for me.

Now, granted I'm not really fond of the concept of chivalry due to the fact that it ignores character and concentrates solely on gender. However, that aside, I think time should be taken to recognize the manner in which men sacrifice. I am not a stranger to sacrifice. During the early years of marriage when finances were tight, my husband had to force me to spend money on myself. Initially, knowing I'd never take the incentive if left to my own devices, he'd take me shopping when he realized I needed something, but he soon realized I would only find a way to keep from buying anything. Then he tried gift certificates, but found I'd only use them for him or the kids, so he resorted to just going out and buying me the things I needed as I refused to spend the money on myself. For me, it was always just easier to go without then to see the ones I love do so.

I dedicate large amounts of my time and energies to charity work; I make whatever sacrifices are necessary for the best interest and betterment of my family.....however, these kind of sacrifices, while good and admirable, are easier. They may involve material possessions that are, while nice, not entirely necessary, or they require a little time or personal effort. The way that men sacrifice goes beyond this. Whether it be soldiers going to war, fathers defending their families, firefighters braving flames to save the lives of others.....or even a man enduring the cold, rain and hail to aid a stranger....when men sacrifice, they truly sacrifice themselves.

Men have always sacrificed themselves and they've rarely been given the appreciation they deserve for their actions. The real insult, the slap in the face, came when feminism decided not only to ignore their great sacrifices and kindness, but to villify them. Men going off to war denoted their violent natures and their apathy for the plight of the women and children they were leaving at home. Men working hard to provide for their families, allowing their wives the ability to stay home and take care of children and family was an act of patriarchal oppression, shackling their poor wives to the kitchen.

Instead of hearing 'look at the way our men have sacrificed, giving their very lives', we heard, 'look at these poor women, made to sacrfice by being stuck at home'. How did the opportunity to care for and be with the ones we love become a sacrifice? And what was the alternative...the great thing they were being forced to miss out on? A forty hour work week? Their children being raised in daycare by strangers......truly, their husbands were cruel.

Most of us know what it's like to feel unappreciated, but I imagine few women can appreciate how it must feel to spend your life sacrificing, giving your very all for those you love and then not only are you not appreciated for it, but you're told that what you've done, this sacrifice of yours, it's oppression. This act of love....it's misogyny...hate.

Once a month in my church we have what we call Fast and Testimony Meeting. During this meeting, members of the congregation have the opportunity to stand before the rest of the members and bear their testimony. Without fail, every single testimony meeting, at least one woman stands up and, through a lot of tears, says how thankful she is for her husband, how thankful she is that through his hard work and sacrifice she has been allowed to stay home and raise their children.....but this, according to the feminists, this is oppression.

Now, just to clarify, I'm not saying that women don't ever sacrifice, I'm not even saying that there haven't been occassions when women sacrificed themselves for the benefit of others. I'm saying that it is only within the realm of men that this kind of great and noble sacrifice isn't rare. What is, however, a rarity, is men ever being recognized or appreciated for their magnanimity.

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Good thoughts Kim

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Kim,

That was an awesome post!

Thank you Billy and TERA.

Very nice Kim.

TMOTS

thanks Kim!

Weather ruins a woman's complexion. We can't have that.

So what does this prove? That women love less? Women have easier lives?

Why do women think appreciation is enough? Is that all women can do? Talk instead of do action.

That appreciation is enough is your implication, not mine. The reason I point out the sacrificing nature and great works of men is to serve as a counterpoint to the constant vilification. My post is not a pat on the back, "Good job guys, keep sacrificing yourselves while we sit around and watch", it is to give credit where it is due.....where, not only has there been a consistent lack of credit, but where there has additionally been a denying and maligning of the natures of men.

I appreciate that. But there is something to be said about the nature of most women that causes them to not self sacrifice and value their lives more. men risk their lives, health etc whereas women dont(in general)

We are told that women are the weaker vessel, in the bible. While that suggest the outter portion of the body, I think it isn't only physical but emotionally as well, imo.

Women have many more fears than men do.

I just don't think women love like a man does. I also see many women work to destroy that love he has for her.

There definitely is....and this is why I point out, among all the misandry, the sacrifices of men. It's not that I don't think women can sacrifice; can be selfless.....I think that it comes naturally to men where it's something women have to struggle at and aspire for and, in today's society of female entitlement and selfishness, it's less and less likely to see that happening.

Musicman, I think you need to do a bit of Range time. I am sure you mean well but....

Go down to the range and tell the