Presidents come and go. Marches, protests, and rallies come and go, but the word of the Lord stands forever. I have been reflecting over the Proverbs 31 woman of the bible these past few days.

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character Proverbs 31 

A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

 

She was not the submissive little house wife one may think of when they think of a “Christian” woman.   She was a successful entrepreneur, mother, and the example of a wife of noble character. She was in the market place and her presence and influence was known.She is the woman I want to model and exemplify for my girls, the women around me, and for my community.

 

I don’t think you would find her spending her precious time protesting for more rights or empowerment. She had all that because she had a husband  who supported her and placed his trust in her ability.  Just because I have a husband who supports me financially does not mean I am weak. I am fully capable of making my own income and providing for my family. Even though I am an educated woman,  I believe my role at this point in life is to be home with my young children nurturing them through food and thought, so they can rise up to be women of character.  The destiny and calling on my life is to raise up the children I chose to bring into this world.  That will be one of my greatest joys and accomplishments at the end of my days, more than any educational degree and certificate can satisfy. At the end of my days I want to hear my Father say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

 

As Stormie Omartian states in her book The Power of a Praying Woman,

“ An important part of why women are rising up to fulfill the destiny that God has for them is because men are rising up to fulfill their place of authority and leadership. Women need this spiritual covering, when it is done right- with strength, humility, kindness, respect, and understanding.”

 

Men are meant to be the head of the household and respected in leadership positions. It does not mean that women are of lesser value in the home or work place. We have a place in our homes, workplace, and community that offers value and influence. There is a presence that a man of honor brings to his family, job, and community. He doesn’t demand respect, instead it is given because people value his leadership.

 

When I ask my girls what they want to be when they grow up I always get the same response, “I want to be a mom.” I encourage that answer, but I also let them know they can be a mom and work from home by owning their own business.  They are surrounded by men of character and dignity that respect, honor, and love them unconditionally. These men encourage them to be all that they can be in this world. There is no doubt they would settle for a husband who would treat them less. I accredit where I am today for the men in my life. God, my earthly dad, and my husband most of all. I do not discount their influence in the success in my life. Do I always like what they say? No. Do I respect and use it for my best interest? Yes.

 

For the Proverbs 31 woman, Marching and protesting would have been a waste of time to her since her time was more precious and valuable. She knew her gifts and talents and she used them to further her family and Gods calling on her life. She was confident because she had a husband who fully supported her.

What good is it protesting when you live in a land of where opportunity is abundant. I did not say easy.  We live in a culture that demands ease and comfort for free. We want to be able to do what we want when we want. That isn’t reality. Instead take that energy and thrust it into something worthy and noble of a cause. For example, I know of women who are moving mountains to get other women and children out of  the sex trade right here in our own country and in my own community.  There are other women I know hustling a home based business to help women get out of poverty in foreign countries.

 

Change starts with you and only you. You have the power and the choice to steer your ship. You also have a God who loves you and wants to help you. If you act on fear you will go through your whole life on the defensive side with the “poor me” me attitude. Instead, if you act on love, hope, and peace then fear will be cast out. You will start to see the opportunities that lay before you. Negative thinking is the number one cause of depression.  It is our body’s defense mechanism to chronic negativity in our life, either by our own thought process or by surrounding yourself with negative people and media. We become our thoughts.  Instead think well of yourself and surround yourself with women who do the same.

Ghandi said it best,

“Your beliefs become your thoughts, 
Your thoughts become your words, 
Your words become your actions, 
Your actions become your habits, 
Your habits become your values, 
Your values become your destiny.

 

You are the daughter of the most High King. He created you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139). He set you apart from everyone else on this planet with a purpose and a calling on your life. Sometimes we have to get past our own fears and failures to see how he can use us.  Feel the fear and do it anyway.

 

If you don’t like the path you have taken in life you have the power to change it now! As in TODAY.  This very MINUTE. The president, law makers, your husband, your parents, or anyone else in your life can make those changes. They do not determine your future. Stop blaming others for where you are in life.

 

What is it that you desire? What is it that you dream to do? What are you waiting for? GO DO IT! Don’t think it impossible. God placed that desire on your heart. He has given you gifts and talents to help you fulfill that desire so that you can be valuable in the market place, your family, and most importantly to glorify His Kingdom. He gave His Son to walk with you daily to help us and guide us. Do you know Him?

 

Take some time daily to be silent and listen to His whisper on your heart. Then surrender. Trust in Jesus. You will feel liberated.  It will give the word a whole new meaning.  The path he takes you on may be unknowing and scary at times, but keep listening to His voice. The path may look dark, but He lights just the section you need at the moment. He has you and won’t let you go.

 

Stay strong sister and live your life on purpose with purpose.