I have talked with two women in the past week who had this to say about their past jobs:
First, “I'd been there full-time for seven years and part-time for three years, and I really wanted to do something else, but my husband wouldn't let me quit.”
Secondly, “My husband said if I started the training course to prepare for the job and didn't finish it, he would leave me,” and she was afraid to start.
If it's true, what a terrible thing for a husband to demand: “You can't quit. I won't let you.”
If it's true, what a terrible thing for a husband to threaten: “I'll leave you.”
I specifically say, “if it's true,” because it is possible that the first woman was justifying why she kept on working. It is even possible that the second woman was trying to explain away her fear of starting a different career.
Just suppose that what the first woman said isn't exactly how it happened. What a terrible thing for a woman to excuse herself by making her husband look like a tyrant.
Just suppose that what the second woman said isn't exactly how it happened. What a terrible thing for a woman to use her husband as justification for her own fear.
Either way, whatever happened, I know that's not how a good relationship should work. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (Philippians 2:4, 5) I can't imagine Jesus not letting someone explore work opportunities. I can't imagine Him threatening. I think His followers would honor Him and one another by honest communication, consideration for others' hopes and fears, and willingness to negotiate.
Marjorie
Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.
