It has been a while since I last wrote and for several months now, I have been thinking and reflecting about Proverbs 31.
The Proverbs 31 is widely known for Christians, in general, as the Proverbs 31 Woman. It enumerated a long demanding list of non-existent qualities of a woman, nowadays. Many Christian women desire to be called The Proverbs 31 Woman but is it really possible to become one at this period of time? Could it be that maybe, a modern day Proverbs 31 be a reality?
I, for one, desire for it. I know it has a big ask. I smile in disbelief as I read through an exemplary list of a virtuous woman whom I never will be. Yet, I read and reflect about “her” anyway. I remember before, I’d read line by line, and will rate myself if I can do it or not. I laugh, I giggle, and smile at my self-discovery of qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman.
I’d argue with myself and take the words literally and say, “yeah, I can wake up early and prepare meals, I’ve done that countless times” “I am a hardworking woman” “I cook sumptuous meals” “I can be an excellent wife” (like duhhh!!!) “I always strive for good things” “I am strong, I workout” “I tithe and give alms” “I think I have wisdom” I can go on and on talking to myself about it. It’s my me time. It’s fun what I find out. One thing I always cross myself out from the list was when “she” is described as someone who makes clothings for her family. Heck no. Even from grade school, I’ve always dreaded sewing, anything to do with needle. I disliked it. I always say no to it. I love styling clothes of a ready-made ones but I am just not into improving it through any kind of thread and needles. THAT is where I will fail big time on being a Proverbs 31 woman. My self-assessment result says so during that time.
I revisit this chapter often than any other verses. I do it sometimes to annoy myself. It was just recently that all of a sudden, it dawned on me, a jaw-dropping realization, that HEY, REMEMBER THAT NEEDLE AND THREAD THAT I COWARD AT FOR YEARS AND YEARS? GUESS WHAT SELF, I SEE AND USE THEM ALMOST EVERYDAY NOW! In fact, I opened a line of business with it. It was so funny! How did this all happen? I have no idea! I, too, am amazed! I can proudly say that I can check off that list. Yeah, no kidding!
Matthew 19:26 says, with God, all things are possible! He can turn any situation, setting, or status upside down. I just experienced it. I thought, maybe a Proverbs 31 woman is something attainable, after all. I am far from being it but I tell myself, “have a little faith, God is able!”
I know, it’s hilarious that I’m doing it. Like I mentioned, it’s a me-time that I do with myself. A self-check if you put it that way. As I am writing this piece, freely, I think the bottomline is that, God is not finish with me yet. He is not finish with you, yet, too. He will complete what He has started. The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is viable.
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 NIV