The Proverbs 31 Woman (yes, her!)- Day 1

If you have been a Christian woman very long, you are most likely familiar with "the Proverbs 31 woman."  So much about her is to be admired and to be aspired.  However, in my years of working with women, I have learned that as much as we can be inspired by this amazing woman, truthfully there are days where we just don't want to embrace her.  In fact, we may cringe at the mere thought or mention of her.  Depending on your frame of mind at this very moment, you may very well be embracing either thought--the embracing or the cringing.  Perhaps you may even be experiencing an odd combination of both.   [note: If you are new to Christianity or maybe have questions as to what it means to be a Christian woman, you may not be familiar with "her."  If that's the case, then great! You are much more likely to read these passages with fresher eyes than those of us that have heard them several times before.]  

Let's take a step back, though.  I believe we can all be encouraged by this woman.  Let's take this week and dissect these verses a few at a time, and really delve into what all of this means practically in our own daily lives...even on the days where we don't feel like an "energetic and hard worker"...even on the days where things just feel plain hard.

Today let's read the full passage and simply pray through it.  I encourage you to take your prayer journal or a notebook and record your initial thoughts, fears or concerns, hopes, and questions you have for God.  Know that as I write this, I am praying for you on your journey this week.

Prayer:
Lord, I ask that you would open our eyes and our hearts to the truths you would like to impress upon us this week.  Help us to take an honest look at our lives.  Lord, help us to discern your Truth.  Grant us wisdom to discern the best way to structure our homes and our lives to be centered around You, and to bring You glory.  Help us to lean on You and your strength, because we know there is no other way for us to make it.  Thank you Lord for your new mercy every day.  Thank you for helping our hearts to stay pliable for You.  We praise You for who You are.  In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Day 1

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭10-31‬ NLT)