As a Denver Broncos fan, I don’t usually root for the Kansas City Chiefs. But I’ll make an exception for the Chiefs’ kicker, Harrison Butker, who came under fire after a commencement speech at Benedictine College went viral. Detractors said his comments were disrespectful to women.
But were they really? If you give his speech a fair hearing, I believe the answer is clearly no. Butker celebrated his wife. He praised her tireless dedication to their marriage and to their children. In short, he honored his family and encouraged his audience to do the same.
Critics found it scandalous that Butker would lift up marriage and motherhood as two of the most important responsibilities a woman could choose. Our culture rightly celebrates women who take their talent and intelligence into the world. But we’re on dangerous ground when we dismiss motherhood as weak and irrelevant. Moms are strong. They have to be. They’re not just changing diapers and cleaning up spills, they’re raising human beings with character. And that’s not a job for the faint of heart.
Achievement outside the home is a wonderful highlight for anyone, man or woman. But nothing could be more meaningful and significant than shaping a child into a person of love, faith, and humility. Motherhood shouldn’t be treated as a scandal to women. It should be lifted up for what it is: a sacred mystery, a priceless gift, and a profound calling.
