Tiffany Ottey
Columnist
In today’s world, where convenience often trumps authenticity, and the pace of life accelerates ever so fast, many women I’ve spoken with and seen online are feeling a deep and growing urge to return to the basics. Making things from scratch, rejecting the influence of corporate systems and embracing traditional homemaking. This movement, which speaks to a longing for simplicity and self-reliance, resonates with a growing desire to be more connected to the rhythms of life and the values that once shaped families and communities. It is a yearning for something more intentional, rooted in faith, family and the timeless principles that Christianity has long emphasized.
At the heart of this movement is the desire for a lifestyle that eschews reliance on impersonal systems. Whether it’s store-bought food filled with preservatives, pharmaceutical interventions like vaccines or the ever growing interventions during child birth. For many women, the choice to reject these modern conveniences is not born out of fear or misinformation, but a desire for self-sufficiency and a deeper connection to God’s creation. It’s about looking to what God created for nourishment, trusting in the body and what God created it to do and valuing the hands-on labor that creates something of lasting substance. In a world that can often seem out of control, the act of creating something from scratch can feel like you’re honoring God’s command to steward His creation.
This return to the basics has deep roots in Christian scripture. Proverbs 31, often cited as a model for the “ideal woman”, speaks to the virtues of a woman who "looks well to the ways of her household" and "works with willing hands" (Proverbs 31:27). The passage praises the woman who invests time and care in her home, her family and the community around her. In this passage, homemaking is not a symbol of oppression or limitation, but a calling, a sacred vocation. The woman who embraces this role is described as wise, diligent and praiseworthy, and her work is seen as a reflection of her faith and obedience to God’s design for the family.
For many women, the decision to reject certain modern practices, like vaccines, stems from a similar desire for personal responsibility and control. They want to make informed decisions about their health, based on their faith and conscience, rather than following the dictates of institutions they may not trust. This decision, though controversial, often reflects the Christian principle of freedom and bodily autonomy, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, where believers are reminded that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with reverence.
While the choice to reject vaccines or avoid certain modern technologies is personal and complex, it can be viewed through the lens of a broader desire for a lifestyle that seeks to be more in line with Biblical teachings. The Bible consistently encourages believers to live lives of discernment, to be cautious of worldly influences, and to take responsibility for their own well-being and the well-being of those they care for.
The resurgence of homemaking is also a reflection of the Biblical principle of hospitality and nurturing. The Scriptures speak often about the importance of welcoming others into one’s home, feeding the hungry and providing care to those in need (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2).
For many women, homemaking is not just about creating a comfortable environment for their family, but about fulfilling a higher calling to serve others and live out the love of Christ in tangible ways. The simple act of making a meal from scratch or caring for a home can become a ministry. A way to serve God and others through practical acts of love and stewardship.
However, as with any movement, it’s important to approach this return to the basics with balance and discernment. The Bible teaches that there is a time for everything under the sun (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8), including work and rest, creation and recreation. While embracing homemaking and self-sufficiency can be a beautiful and fulfilling calling, it should not become an idol or an attempt to retreat from the world in ways that hinder God’s broader purpose for His people. The Christian life is one of both separation from worldly idols and engagement with the world, as we are called to be "in the world but not of it" (John 17:14-16).
In the end, the desire many women feel to return to the basics is not just about rejecting modernity for the sake of nostalgia or simplicity, but about embracing a life that is more in tune with God’s design. It’s about stewardship, faith and finding fulfillment in the everyday tasks that shape the lives of families and communities. By drawing from the wisdom of the Bible, women who choose this path are not merely trying to return to a bygone era but are seeking to live in harmony with God’s eternal truths and the rhythms He has set for life. This return to the basics, when rooted in faith, can be a powerful expression of Christian living in a world that often feels disconnected from what truly matters.