Wonder Woman

(Images from a Watamu experience in 2019 that I am revisiting this year!)

I stopped hating Proverbs 31.

I stopped hating the burden of expectation that the image of an industrious family woman that the Proverbs 31 holds.

I was given a new lens recently when I read the scripture text and I kid you not, my hairs were up throughout the reading.

That woman is mightily graced for her lot. Interestingly, you and I have the same opportunity to glow alongside the bright light she produces.

As a Medical Doctor, there are many emotions that overcome me as I read Proverbs 31. How will my schedule between work, ministry, business, friendship and family work? Will my children get to see me before they sleep at night? Will I get to make my family breakfast in the morning? As I ponder on these pertinent questions, I cannot help but think of the lady described in Proverbs 31.

She captivates me by her sheer industry, faithfulness, character, foresight and wisdom. She’s a literal Biblical Wonder Woman!

I feel you. You think this is just another “become like her or else” blog. Oh, contraire! The essence of this blog is not to create fear of perfection that can never be attained, but an image of what a woman can become in the presence of God’s grace.

Allow me to share a few thoughts on the Biblical Wonder Woman.

(Proverbs 10-31,NIV)

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies: she has firm character that is rare and priceless.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value: her spouse has no doubt in her character and devotion. Also, she is a full package! Everything that is of importance is locked inside his wife.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life: She unlocks favor for her spouse.

13 She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands: She takes initiative over the work of her hands and is industrious in her dealings.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar: She is resourceful!

15 She gets up while it is still night;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her female servants: Even when it is most inconvenient (“night”), she shows up to deliver what is expected for her loved ones. She makes no excuses where it counts.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard: She is prudent in her industry, utilizing finances wisely, seeking to grow what she has.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks: What an oomph, guys!

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night: Not only is she wise to compound her finances, but she also plans ahead so that she does not know lack.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers: She has ownership over her responsibilities (she may delegate, but manages directly what is of her to sort out).

20 She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy: She is a giver!

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet: y’all, this level of planning! That not only is her family clothed, but it is clothed with fine garments.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple: it’s the fashion for me!

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land: I interpreted this as the man having his own level of societal respect which is increased because he is yoked with a woman such as his wife.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes: she has a hand for entrepreneurship as well.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come: her character is bold yet glorious. She known who holds her tomorrow and so she rests despite what comes her way.

26 She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue: she does not speak carelessly.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness: she is the watchman on the wall of her family, praying and working. She minds the business assigned to her.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her: her praises are visible to her loved ones. Generations behind her stand to call her blessed.

29 “Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.”: y’all I don’t know about you but I declare this utterance over my husband!

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised: God’s glory rests upon a woman who seeks after Him. He distinguishes a woman of godly character from one rooted in carnality. He brings forth praise upon such a woman.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate: This woman does not ask for any honor, but it cannot resist flowing to her. Her stature and works speak for themselves.

The woman above is not an anomaly. She is a testament of doing “all things through Christ who strengthens” her. (Phil 4:11-13)

The woman above is not an anomaly. She is a testament of doing “all things through Christ who strengthens” her. (Phil 4:11-13)

She is me. She is you.