When You Feel Like Kicking the Proverbs 31 Woman in the Teeth

Originally posted February 9, 2014.

I’ve got a secret to tell you. That Proverbs 31 woman?

She really gets on my nerves.

How many times have we heard that we should be like her? That she’s the ultimate example of what a Christian woman should be? But, what do I know about wool and flax and buying fields? Why does she have to be so darn good at everything?

So, I’ve taken a little creative liberty to create a Proverbs 31 woman for the rest of us. For those of us who feel she is a little out of reach, out of touch, and out of our league. There will be no talk of wool and flax. But, that woman? Her incredible example? She’s still there. And you are there, too. This is a you and a me that are do-able, with God’s help. Take a look:

A really good wife, who can find one?
She is worth her weight in Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Her husband believes in her abilities
and knows he’s blessed.
She makes his life better, not worse,
while she’s on this Earth.

She selects and washes and occasionally even irons clothing for the family
and works hard with a good attitude.
She is like the greatest drive thru in the world,
giving food to her family whenever someone is hungry, no matter the hour.
She gets up when the alarm tells her she must (snooze button anyone?),
and then she makes breakfast for her family,
or at least pours a bowl of cereal.
She thinks about her purchases before she buys,
and she uses her money to take care of her family.

She works hard.
She is strong and capable and confident.
She sees that what she is doing matters,
so she often works late into the night while everyone is sleeping.
She does her work without complaint, and without worrying about whether it’s “woman’s work” or “man’s work” or “slave labor.” She is a servant.
She cares about those who are poor.
She helps others when she can, and looks for ways to bless people.

When scary times come, she doesn’t worry about her children,
because she is teaching them to trust God.
She does her best to make her house welcoming, not spotless,
and she tries to put on real clothes at some point in most days.
Her husband is respected,
and she doesn’t speak ill of him or cut him down when she is frustrated.

She uses her talents for the glory of God
and for the good of her family and community.
She carries herself with strength, and she can stand tall,
not because of her own power, but because of God’s.
She can laugh at things that make others tremble in fear.

When she talks, her wisdom is obvious.
She knows when to speak and when to be silent.
Her advice is biblical and leads others to be more Christ-like.
She is on top of things. She works hard to make sure
basketball jerseys are clean on game day.

Her children love her dearly. Someday they will recognize
what a powerful force she is in their lives.
Her husband doesn’t know what he would do without her. He says:
“Lots of women have blogs and homeschool and are crafty and are Pinterest stars,
but YOU are more amazing than any of them.”
Phoniness gets old, and beautiful skin and girlish figures don’t last forever,
but a woman who loves God with everything she has is worth admiring.
Give her a pat on the back, acknowledge that she is incredible,
and let all that she is and does cause people to believe in God’s goodness.

That’s a Proverbs 31 woman I can get behind!  Love to all of you as you figure out what she looks like in your life.  But, remember that God will use you in unique and incredible ways whether you sew your kids’ clothes and hang them all by color and season or whether you have piles of laundry behind closed doors.  He isn’t looking for perfect.  He is looking for a willing heart and the attitude of a loyal and trusted servant.

Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ.  Colossians 3:23 (MSG)