QUOTING QUIVERFULL is a regular feature of NLQ – we present the actual words of noted Quiverfull leaders and ask our readers: What do you think? Agree? Disagree? This is the place to state your opinion. Please, let’s keep it respectful – but at the same time, we encourage readers to examine the ideas of Quiverfull honestly and thoughtfully.
From the blog The New Homemaker posting “Quiver-Full Convicted” by Dawn Friedman
Kay Lind (not her real name) has six children. Her first three were born with severe disabilities.
“[Our first three children] have been diagnosed with mental retardation and autism,” she says. “Our next three are completely normal. We were advised by everyone around us, family and friends and doctors, not to have more children. Because of our beliefs, we had the courage to go on.”
During her fourth pregnancy, Kay says she prayed that this baby would be normal.
“I felt as though I had been through a trial similar to that of Job of the Bible. I intended and firmly believed in having all the children God wanted to bless us with but now I was facing this. Should I abandon my beliefs? Did I really truly believe them when faced with a situation like this?”
Kay says her mother has criticized her for the “immoral” decision to have more children.
“I was told how unfair it was to these younger three,” she explains. “But they are learning one of the most important values you can teach a human being. They have learned to be selfless and love their fellow human beings.”
NLQ Recommended Reading …
‘Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment‘ by Janet Heimlich
‘Quivering Daughters‘ by Hillary McFarland
‘Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement‘ by Kathryn Joyce