Extraordinary Women

​Scriptural Reading: Proverbs 31:10-31 NASB95
An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. [11] The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. [12] She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. [13] She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. [14] She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. [15] She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. [16] She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. [17] She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. [18] She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. [19] She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. [20] She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. [21] She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. [22] She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. [23] Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. [24] She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. [25] Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. [26] She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. [27] She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. [28] Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: [29] “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.” [30] Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. [31] Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.

We are approaching Mother's Day, the day we recognize and honor those who gave us life.  Let me start with the obvious, in spite of the current twisted gender nonsense rampant in American culture, without mothers none of us would exist.  If you enjoy life, you know who to thank.  So, this Mother's Day, if you have the opportunity, make sure to tell your mom, "Thank you" and "I love you!"  (If your mom has passed away, remember her with a thankful heart)

I happen to have a very high opinion of women in general and mothers specifically.  In my life I have been surrounded by "Proverbs 31" women, and I have been shaped and blessed by their influences.  My mom, my wife, my daughter, my daughter-in-law, my sister, both of my grandmothers, the one great grandmother that I knew...all amazing women.  Full of love for God and family.  Creative.  Productive.  Faithful.  Intelligent.  Helpful.  Sacrificing.  Examples worth following.  Loving.  Joyful.  Kind...  The list of worthy attributes runs deep.

In most families the center of the family and greatest influencer is the mother.  The opportunity to shape the family and to bless future generations is the prerogative offered most mothers.  I had a wonderful father, but my mother had the greatest impact in shaping my character and view of life.  I will forever be thankful that my mother carried me for nine months until I was given the opportunity to live; and then for many years she nurtured and cared for me; and to this day I am blessed by her prayers. No doubt, the Proverbs 31 woman has a value that can only be described as priceless.

Questions to Consider:

1. What are the best traits that your mother passed down to you?
2. If you are a parent, what kind of values are you passing to your children?

(Author's note: I realize that not everyone's life experience is the same.  I have had friends who suffered because the home was not what it should or could have been.  Humanity does not always make the most of the afforded opportunities.  If you suffered at the hands of your parents, I point you to our heavenly Father who has no shadow of turning.  The Apostle John defined God in one word, "LOVE.")

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