I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR
This is a bit lengthy, but I believe it offers valuable insights into the character of women in the Bible and potentially sheds light on the women we are today.
Proverbs 31:10-31
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 dealing 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 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.
When I was growing up, there was a song by Peggy Lee called “I’m a Woman.” It narrated the daily life of a woman from the past. She would do laundry, iron clothes, cook, clean, take care of the kids, and her husband, all while starting the cycle anew the next day. That was what she did—she was a woman.
Times have changed some over the years, but the basics have pretty much stayed the same. A woman still has to do most of those things listed above, but add to that a job or maybe two in order to take care of her family. Whether she is a single Mom or has a partner in today’s society it takes more than one income to make it these days.
As I was doing research for today’s devotional I looked into the Women of the Bible a little bit and I’ve decided that while I’m doing my recovery this next week after I have another surgery on my ankle, I’m going to read each of their stories and learn more about them. But what I’ve found out thus far is that the women of the Bible are pivotal, diverse figures ranging from matriarch’s and leaders to queens and disciples who helped shape biblical history. And I think that they were very strong women who stood by their beliefs, their principles and their actions.
Of course, we all know that the Bible starts with Eve and though there are those who will portray her as a temptress, she was not. Remember, it was the serpent who tempted Eve. She is followed by Sarah, Hagar, Miriam, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Hannah and Abigail. They are in turn followed in the New Testament by Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Elizabeth, Martha & Mary of Bethany, Anna, Priscilla & Phoebe. There was also Joanna & Susanna, Dorcas (Tabitha) and Louis & Eunice. These women represent a range of roles, often acting as faithful, resilient figures in the face of adversity, and in many cases, serving as examples of leadership and faith to others.
With April drawing to a close, leaving behind a wet yet green landscape, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of May. Hopefully, May will bring calmer weather and warmer temperatures. As I am writing these words, the temperature hovers around a chilly 46 degrees, accompanied by a brisk wind.
As May approaches, I encourage you to reflect on the women in your life, both living and deceased. Consider the profound impact that they had on your life. Have you taken the time to express your gratitude, appreciation, and love for them?
Even though my mom and I didn’t always see eye to eye and our relationship was sometimes turbulent, she was still my mom, and I miss her every day. Ann Landers published a poem back in the late 60’s early 70’s titled The Meanest Mother in The World and there were times I could have sworn it was written with my mother in mind. Today, I often find myself looking up and saying, “Thanks, Mom. I get it now. I understand what you were trying to teach me all those years ago.” For I am a strong, resilient woman who can face the storm and still persevere.
Proverbs 31:31
Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Proverbs 31:10-31
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 dealing 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 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.
When I was growing up, there was a song by Peggy Lee called “I’m a Woman.” It narrated the daily life of a woman from the past. She would do laundry, iron clothes, cook, clean, take care of the kids, and her husband, all while starting the cycle anew the next day. That was what she did—she was a woman.
Times have changed some over the years, but the basics have pretty much stayed the same. A woman still has to do most of those things listed above, but add to that a job or maybe two in order to take care of her family. Whether she is a single Mom or has a partner in today’s society it takes more than one income to make it these days.
As I was doing research for today’s devotional I looked into the Women of the Bible a little bit and I’ve decided that while I’m doing my recovery this next week after I have another surgery on my ankle, I’m going to read each of their stories and learn more about them. But what I’ve found out thus far is that the women of the Bible are pivotal, diverse figures ranging from matriarch’s and leaders to queens and disciples who helped shape biblical history. And I think that they were very strong women who stood by their beliefs, their principles and their actions.
Of course, we all know that the Bible starts with Eve and though there are those who will portray her as a temptress, she was not. Remember, it was the serpent who tempted Eve. She is followed by Sarah, Hagar, Miriam, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Hannah and Abigail. They are in turn followed in the New Testament by Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Elizabeth, Martha & Mary of Bethany, Anna, Priscilla & Phoebe. There was also Joanna & Susanna, Dorcas (Tabitha) and Louis & Eunice. These women represent a range of roles, often acting as faithful, resilient figures in the face of adversity, and in many cases, serving as examples of leadership and faith to others.
With April drawing to a close, leaving behind a wet yet green landscape, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of May. Hopefully, May will bring calmer weather and warmer temperatures. As I am writing these words, the temperature hovers around a chilly 46 degrees, accompanied by a brisk wind.
As May approaches, I encourage you to reflect on the women in your life, both living and deceased. Consider the profound impact that they had on your life. Have you taken the time to express your gratitude, appreciation, and love for them?
Even though my mom and I didn’t always see eye to eye and our relationship was sometimes turbulent, she was still my mom, and I miss her every day. Ann Landers published a poem back in the late 60’s early 70’s titled The Meanest Mother in The World and there were times I could have sworn it was written with my mother in mind. Today, I often find myself looking up and saying, “Thanks, Mom. I get it now. I understand what you were trying to teach me all those years ago.” For I am a strong, resilient woman who can face the storm and still persevere.
Proverbs 31:31
Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
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