NOBODY CARES LIKE YOU DO

2019-01-17
Influence
Since you and I are likely good at creating cozy spaces, (at times the only one in the house who does), caring for the health and future of our husband and children (and sometimes parents) we feel it deeply.   It makes so much sense to step up and make home welcoming, give yourself to your family .  .  .  just because you can, your way, your style.

This care for your family is "behind the scenes".   Who knows but God and you.   For several years I fought discouragement and depression .  .  .  going to bed between tasks, fearing the world would pass me by.  Eric was growing and doing well as a Logistics Manager for the Navy.   Our three sons were in elementary school and high school .  .  .  nobody knew.   I was strongly impressed that this was my duty.

One day I realized:  I was more than a maid.   Now I know that this "duty" was accompanied with hope and growth and reaching out.   I was more!

Find or discover for the first time your shining example in a wise woman - - the woman of Proverbs 31.  She is figurative, I think; to take examples from.  We can create our priorities from this hypothetical wise woman.  I am very afraid that you will stop here, rightfully fearing the control and demeaning of women in centuries of generations before us.   Women were controlled and dominated for sure; today some still are!  But it was not from the teaching in the Bible.  There is nowhere in the Bible that teaches and demonstrates the domination of women.   The Bible, the authoritative Word from God to you demonstrating the original equality of women with men.

Deborah, Judge of Israel was one real life illustration of God's calling to a prominent woman thousands of years ago.   Her people, her Country had a fair-minded judge in her.

So, who are you?  What are your priorities?  Who do you put at the head of the line in your daily life?   There is a way that tends toward happiness, both yours and your husband's and your children - - yes, the whole household.   Perhaps parents live in your domicile.  Maybe you are busy enough to include a maid.

Happiness is usually from the operation of right priorities.   See the priorities of  a successful woman in Proverbs 31.   In Verse 27, "She looks well to the ways of her house hold and eats not the bread of idleness."  She demonstrates love.  And in Verse 28, "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."  This is love expressed behind closed doors where nobody sees .  .  .  but the dedication she shows is powerful and is far reaching.   The results of her loving priorities go out into the world through her husband, her children, and always go beyond her lifetime.

Then, what does this woman do with her gifts, her desires, her education and drives?   Still in Proverbs 31.   In Verse 14 "She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from afar."  In Verse 16 "She considers a field and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard."  In Verse 13, "She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands."  She is in the marketplace doing what she loves.   It's just who she is.
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