Let’s take a little bit closer look at Proverbs 31, The Wife of Noble Character. I was reading it this morning and found myself saying “Yes!” and “Amen!!!” more times then I have before while reading this passage. Open your bible and read Proverbs 31: 10-31. When you’re done, come back and continue reading, let’s have a closer look together.
According to these verses, this is what an honest, loving wife is (in a glimpse, and my own words):
She is far more valuable than any material thing.
Her husband respects her and believes in her.
She loves her husband, bringing him good.
She wants to work hard at things that matter.
She works day and night providing food for her family.
She buys fields with her earnings.
She is strong and able.
She is smart.
She opens her home, heart and hands to the needy and hurting.
She takes care of her family to the best of her ability and does not fear.
She is clothed in purple (signifying she is royal, a Daughter of the one True King).
Her husband is blessed in his work.
She makes things with her hands and sells them.
She if full of joy and wisdom, not afraid of the future.
She protects her household.
Her husband and children love her deeply.
Her love for the Lord is radiant, making her beautiful.
As I was reading this passage, I pictured a loving mother (my loving mama, my friends who are moms, all the mother-like figures in my life) bustling around the house, cleaning up messes, stirring food on the stove, cleaning and sorting laundry, hugging their littles, opening their home to a hurting friend, coming home from work after a long day, creating clothing, creating art, creating a home with her hands. Not only does this honest, loving wife do all these things to create a beautiful home and family, she also gracefully steps into the marketplace. She creates things with her hands and sells them. She buys fields with her earnings. She purchases the best material to create things, to keep her family warm + also to sell and provide for them.
She does not sit idle. She works with her hands. She wakes up before the rest of her family.
She works hard and she is filled with joy.
I think our world is in a weird place right now (well, for many reasons) when it comes to the “role of a woman”. Everyone has their opinion of this (doesn’t mean you need to listen to them). Ultimately, what you do with your days comes down to what you feel the Lord is telling you and what you and your husband decide is best for your family.
What I felt on my heart this morning to share was I think there are some women feeling guilty that they want to do it all: be a loving wife, a mother, a homemaker, a creative, and help provide for their family financially. You don’t need my permission, sis, but look at this passage if that’s the tug of your heart. This is your permission to follow your heart and all the dreams God has given you.
A lie I fight is that I am not enough, yet I am always too much. Satan is the king of deception. That lie does not even make logical sense and most lies don’t. Do you ever feel that way? That you’re too much for people? That you’re not enough for them, either?
God created us to work hard, love the people he gave us and to not sit idle in our giftings.
Is there something you believe God has put in your heart that you’ve been scared to pursue? Is there a lie you’ve been believing that being a stay at home mama isn’t enough? Do you love working but feel guilty for loving it?
Sis, be free. Satan, in the name of Jesus we command these lies to leave. You are not welcome here, we are covered by the blood of the Lamb.
Grab God’s hand, seek His heart and run after it!