Andrea Houk
My parents were political opposites. My father was and still is a Conservative with a streak of Libertarian. My mother was a Democrat who has marched, lock step into the progressive abyss. Their views weren’t as noticeable to me when they were married but became glaringly obvious upon their divorce.
There had been studies confirming the feminist movement’s desired belief that these new women’s libbers could find a new independent life and the children wouldn’t suffer. Today we know that is not true. As a fresh teenager I felt abandoned, betrayed and guilty. I fell into the feminist grip: “Be independent.” “Don’t marry and be controlled by some man.” “There is more to life.” “Why should men have all the fun?”
Feeling unwanted and unloved, I struggled. After graduating from high school, I fell into a cycle of behaving outrageously, having fun in the moment and waking up feeling hollow and ashamed. Instead of equating the shame to these promiscuous actions being unnatural for women, I thought something was wrong with me. I became angry and in turn behaved more outrageously attempting to find satisfaction in my feminist life.
Meeting my husband began a slow process away from feminism. I still believed in many of the feminist movement talking points but doubts began to creep in. My marriage struggled as I tried to excel in making money. I was gone from home 60-80 hours per week for an income that vastly outpaced my husband at the time. It began to take a toll. He didn’t feel necessary nor as though he was a provider in any sense and I was keeping score: who did most of the housework, cooking, laundry, earning money, etc.
Once I finally hit bottom, nearly losing my husband and my tenuous relationship with God, I realized how exhausted and miserable I had become. We moved to a state where my spouse could become the breadwinner and I was more of a support focusing on the domestic side of life. I became far more content and happier and, in turn, so did my husband.
When I decided to go to Liberty University online to complete a bachelor’s degree in history, I made two life-altering discoveries. I found Bible-based instruction with a true Christian worldview opening my eyes to the secular church versus a Bible-based church. And in a course covering the Reagan Era, I discovered Phyllis Schlafly. Her strength, courage and intelligence made her a formidable leader and feminist foe. She was an example that women held great power by being feminine, raising children, contributing to society and being the rudder for not just the home, but the community and in turn, the family unit. Archival videos show her poise and passion as she quietly refuted feminists’ arguments. In her words, actions and organization, I have found the courage to be a woman of strong moral character. Following her example of courage, I began to volunteer and champion policies and groups championing conservative values which led me to join Eagle Forum. Finally, I was freed from the feminist’s life of perpetual frustration and anger. No longer some victim of a patriarchal society, but powerful and happy. I invite you to join me and so many other courageous women and men, who are also a part of Eagle Forum!