The Proverbs 31 Woman

Have you ever taken the opportunity to read Proverbs 31, particularly verses 10-31? It can be a rather intimidating experience. On any given perusal I can close the passage feeling encouraged, convicted, overwhelmed, frustrated, defeated, movitvated or some combination of both. Consider just a few of her noteworthy characteristics.

"She is a woman of noble character." Is that how friends and family would describe me? I'd say I often act like nobility or maybe just a diva. I can be demanding and dramatic. I'm not sure that was the biblical mandate.

"She does not eat the bread of idleness." Is reading blog after blog or spending unconfessed hours on facebook considered idle? What about the fact that I can recite full episodes of Friends, give you an up-to-date state of affairs between Jim and Pam or McDreamy and Meradith? Idle?
Now I don't watch any of these until after the kiddos are in the bed so can I take credit for the "her lamp does not go out at night" endorsment?

Seriously this gal rocks and I am just barely rocking along. So why am I a part of a ministry called Proverbs 31? Our ministry endeavors to bring "God's peace, perspective and purpose to today's busy woman." We are a group of women who don't profess to adequately represenet the P31 Woman, but we have hearts that desire God's best for our husbands, our children and our communities. To that end we wake everyday seeking to submit to this Biblical call and serve with a passion beyond ourselves.

Women who have been touched by this ministry have had abortions, are dealing with the shame of rape, rising above abusive relationships, helping hurting children, surviving job layoffs, enduring cancer treatments, mourning the loss of a parent or a child or a spouse. If we serve the lighten their load, spur them on or turn their faces to a Loving Father then I am more like the Proverbs 31 woman in that moment than maybe during any other part of my day. Maybe I am not always the perfect Proverbs 31 woman, but there is a ministry helping other women become what sometimes we only long to be.

Why am I telling you all this? Because this ministry needs support from people who believe in a vision of helping women live beyond themselves. Don't feel pressured, and don't feel obligated. We trust the Holy Spirit to do what He alone can-prompt hearts to follow obediently to places of faith that stretch them beyond themselves. Maybe supporting Proverbs 31 would stretch you. Listen to the Spirit and then respond in obedience.

To God be the Glory.