Proverbs 31....My Frenemy?

 Yes I did just use the word Frenemy. I am starting to realize that my years hanging out with the Junior High Youth Group have had a lasting impact. Shortly I am going to make a statement that will appall some of you and have others saying AMEN!  I grew up with a strong distaste for Proverbs 31. (For those that have not read this piece of Scripture, you can find it by clicking on the tab “Proverbs 31” at the top of the page) I have a stubborn, independent streak in my personality and for the longest time these words rubbed that streak the wrong way. I was not going to be the housewife these verses referred to and how dare someone tell me that I am a bad wife because of that. Having grown up and matured I have finally seen the light. The woman described in these verses has so much beauty and power and independence about her that I would be stupid to not use her as a model for my life. Oh and by the way, nowhere does it say this woman is a housewife.

As I now read through these verses I see the hard work this woman puts into her life. She does not just sit back and let life happen to her. She works, she provides, she takes care of her family and brings respect to her husband. This woman is smart and knows how to handle herself. She is compassionate, loving, warm, and has a sense of humor. I strive to be this woman and you should to. In fact if you are married or not, this is a woman to model one’s life after. My challenge for myself and for you is to learn what it means to be a Proverbs 31 woman. This is going to look different for every person. My sister’s life as a stay at home mother is going to look somewhat different than my life. We should not waste time comparing our lives to one another. Instead we should be asking questions like:

-          How can I bring honor and respect to my husband?

-          What does providing for my family look like within my circumstances?

-          How do I become a Proverbs 31 woman in the 21^st Century?

I hope you will all take this journey with me. I am excited to see what God will reveal!