Proverbs 31 Woman
My friend, Lisa Johnson, recently shared a breakthrough she and her friends had at their small group. It has to do with the Proverbs 31 Woman.
Lisa writes:
Let me start by saying that I never really liked the Proverbs 31 Woman; in fact, I will go so far as to say I actually resented her.
Every time I read Proverbs 31, I was drawn to the conclusion that I was so very far from God's expectations of a godly woman. I didn't even come close to measuring up.
How many of us have been reminded of her on Mother's Day, whether she be mentioned in a card, or sermon. (No offense!) Talk about pouring salt in an already wounded self image!
No, Proverbs 31 Woman and I were not friends, but I did admire her, and longed to be like her.
In study today, we read aloud Proverbs 31, and put each "quality" in today's language/world.
MUCH to my surprise, I found that I am more like her than I thought! (Except for the servant girls... where, oh where are MY servant girls???!!!)
I don't fulfill the words, "always", and "never" as she does, but who really does? Plus, if her candle never goes out at night, how does she fulfill her and her husband's needs for intimacy?
Good question, eh?
We also discovered that this passage is a hymn. I think of it as a love song celebrating the good and admirable things about women that we should not take for granted.
Who wants to hear a song about a woman's mood swings, irritating habits, and P.M.S.?
So, I have reconciled with the Proverbs 31 Woman. We are now friends who actually have a lot in common.
She has found a way of letting me know that the mundane tasks we women do day in and day out, are admirable, and worthwhile. Hopefully I also, am worth far more than rubies and diamonds to my husband. (I haven't a doubt that I am.)
I will now hold my head high when I hear of the Proverbs 31 Woman.
She will be a reminder to me that I am valuable, and that I need always to strive to be the best wife and mom that I can possibly be.
Bless you, Proverbs 31 Woman!
Lisa writes:
Let me start by saying that I never really liked the Proverbs 31 Woman; in fact, I will go so far as to say I actually resented her.
Every time I read Proverbs 31, I was drawn to the conclusion that I was so very far from God's expectations of a godly woman. I didn't even come close to measuring up.
How many of us have been reminded of her on Mother's Day, whether she be mentioned in a card, or sermon. (No offense!) Talk about pouring salt in an already wounded self image!
No, Proverbs 31 Woman and I were not friends, but I did admire her, and longed to be like her.
In study today, we read aloud Proverbs 31, and put each "quality" in today's language/world.
MUCH to my surprise, I found that I am more like her than I thought! (Except for the servant girls... where, oh where are MY servant girls???!!!)
I don't fulfill the words, "always", and "never" as she does, but who really does? Plus, if her candle never goes out at night, how does she fulfill her and her husband's needs for intimacy?
Good question, eh?
We also discovered that this passage is a hymn. I think of it as a love song celebrating the good and admirable things about women that we should not take for granted.
Who wants to hear a song about a woman's mood swings, irritating habits, and P.M.S.?
So, I have reconciled with the Proverbs 31 Woman. We are now friends who actually have a lot in common.
She has found a way of letting me know that the mundane tasks we women do day in and day out, are admirable, and worthwhile. Hopefully I also, am worth far more than rubies and diamonds to my husband. (I haven't a doubt that I am.)
I will now hold my head high when I hear of the Proverbs 31 Woman.
She will be a reminder to me that I am valuable, and that I need always to strive to be the best wife and mom that I can possibly be.
Bless you, Proverbs 31 Woman!
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