_ desiring wisdom _

I've been doing a lot of thinking about what it really means to be a woman, one that is respectable and honorable. As a good teacher once said, "Anytime you are not around gospel friends or listening to a sermon, you are being surrounded by lies about where your identity, your worth comes from. It is so easy to lose track." Sounds harsh, and it doesn't mean we should lock ourselves in a box or only be around 'safe' 'christian' friends... all the more reason to be in the world. But so easily girls can get distracted and think that their worth comes from their looks, from a boyfriend, from grades, from how many friends they have..

But when I read Proverbs 31, I am comforted and challenged to be a woman of courage and strength. To be someone who's identity is set squarely in the God that she loves and that loves her completely. That is an identity no one can take away.

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.
[proverbs  31:10-31]