Today I came across an article advising women how to succeed in their careers, specifically in a male-dominated business environment. Chuckling to myself (not loudly lest the neighbors should wonder even more about the pregnant lady who goes to Dunkin Donuts in her slippers...), I thought about how the same tips could be applied to the stay-at-home mom and wife. After all, we are working for The Man. ;o)

1. Avoid the Hen House - "It isn't necessary to treat women in your work place as if they are the plague, but but it's wise to treat them as if they have the plague. Men become nervous when they see women in packs."

FOR THE HOMEMAKER: BE the Hen House! After all, supporting fellow women in Christ is a ministry in itself.

2. Prepare to take center stage - "As one of few women working with many men, you are a veritable celebrity, and you should consider yourself always on display. It can be helpful to consider your work day as a performance in a play."

FOR THE HOMEMAKER: How true, ladies! We are our children's best spokesmodels for Christ since we're with them all day long. Living virtuously, purely and whole-heartedly in the Lord shows on the outside as well as in the heart. As for a play, memorizing those lines (of Scripture!) is always good practice. :o)

3. Use your difference to your advantage - "Just because you work with men, it's not necessary that you dress or act like one. If your work is not industrial, wear an appropriate skirt or shoes. Highlighting one attribute at a time works best, so pair a conservative top with a skirt."

FOR THE HOMEMAKER: Whew, and I thought that most of this list would advise women on how to further their professional education or interact in management positions. It's good to know that playing up our legs is important. Plus, we ARE donning a conservative top, after all, which every respectable lady knows totally offsets a mini-skirt. I don't like to be the bearer of bad news, but accentuating our differences from men when we are homemakers is very important as well. Case in point: Never ever under any circumstances (pay close attention, ladies) feel that you need to have a job outside the home or partake of worldly rewards in order to be as valued as a man. The differing roles of husband and wife are both equally pleasing to God and complementary to one another. 'Nuff said.

4. Learn the male lingo - "An easy way to impress your male counterparts, and thereby increase their comfort level with you, is to show you have knowledge in their typically-male subjects. The most obvious choice is to become well-versed in one of the major sports."

FOR THE HOMEMAKER: Male lingo is very important. When Jesus said that all who believe in Him are saved - He meant it. That's all who believe. It doesn't matter about your past, your sinful morning, that bad decision that you made or the millions that you're guaranteed to make as an imperfect human being. If we're talking about typically-male subjects here, the Word of God features some wonderful Gospels and Letters written by men that all women should become familiar with.

5. Handle detractors with class - "Some men may find it amusing to try to intimidate or embarrass you with cat calls or lewd comments. The best response is to promptly and decisively shut these men down. Generally, saying this in front of co-workers using a tone that is more sarcastic than preaching is the most effective approach."

FOR THE HOMEMAKER: This world always has its share of people trying to bring others down, judge their choices and break their hearts. I beg to differ with the advice given, however, because preaching is always the best approach. Sharing the Word of God - not only with others but with yourself when in pain, despair or frustration - grants the peace that no earthly oppression can erase.

I hope that you've enjoyed these suggestions for furthering your professional career! And remember that anyone who thinks being a homemaker isn't a professional pursuit obviously has never nursed a newly teething baby without wanting to put Orajel on their own boob, cleaned the toilet after husbands and sons, or mentally meal-planned for the week while driving the oldest to the doctor and remembering to pick up the second youngest from baseball practice all while cruising smoothly enough to keep the baby from waking up from her long overdue nap in the back of the car. Professional? Try rockstar. It's about time.