Modern Motherhood

Singer/actress Jessica Simpson gave birth to a daughter a few days ago.  There was some media controversy about her child being named Maxwell, which sounds more like a man’s name.  But what’s really disturbing is how children born out of wedlock are celebrated so much these days.  (Jessica is engaged to the baby’s father but decided to postpone getting married until after the baby was born.)  A couple of generations ago, illegitimate births by Hollywood celebrities were considered scandalous.

Before the birth of Maxwell, Jessica Simpson appeared nude on the cover of Elle magazine displaying her baby bump (à la Demi Moore).  The Huffington Post praised Jessica for being an example of “modern motherhood.”  This is a sign of the times we live in.  Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Jessica was raised by a Baptist youth minister and originally pursued a Christian music career but later turned toward the secular market.  In 2003, she released a single called “The Sweetest Sin.”  Although Jessica was married at the time to her then-husband Nick Lachey (and even announced she remained a virgin until her wedding), one of the song's lyrics proclaims, “It would feel so good to be so bad.”  Proverbs 14:9 says, “Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor.”

Two years later, Jessica portrayed a very sexualized image in her music video “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'.”  In response to criticism she received, Jessica stated, “It didn't really surprise me because I grew up with a lot of that backlash.  That's why I didn't end up going into the Christian music industry.  I think that if they're really good Christians the judgment wouldn't be there.”

I don’t mean to be judgmental of Jessica but God expects His people to live holy lives regardless of their occupation.  Other celebrities like Tim Tebow and Kirk Cameron have maintained a Christian witness despite public pressure and scrutiny.  I pray that Jessica will start doing the same.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13