I had a whole bunch of other plans for what I’d share today…but then I saw that today is International Women’s Day. My mind immediately started pondering exactly what it is I’m celebrating today…which is oddly in line with what I’ve been pondering quite a bit lately: what it is to be a Biblically-based woman, wife, mother and entrepreneur these days?
There are many verses and passages in the Bible that inspire what it is to be a woman and a disciple, but I find myself being the most inspired and grounded in Proverbs 31 – specifically starting at verse 10 – The Woman Who Fears the Lord. There is such VALUE in the Proverbs 31 woman.
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”
Proverbs 31:10-31 ESV
A woman is many things and as women, we are uniquely called to and capable of many things (just, by the way, as men are) and we have been given complementary gifts. As a woman, I don’t want to compete with men – I want to serve alongside, as God has qualified me – my role is important, as is my husband’s. And today, I want to celebrate one of the many things that makes me unique and special as a woman.
So…without further ado…we have an announcement!!! After fourteen months of trying and the loss of a pregnancy last summer (more on that another time), Zach and I are beyond thrilled to share that we are expecting baby number 2 this August!
Pregnancy and motherhood are challenging, for sure, but they are SUCH gifts. Over the last week, I have felt little flutters of movement from our little babe. So special and mine all mine to treasure.
Ladies, we are strong, we are brave, we are emotional, we are compassionate, and we are called to and qualified for purposes that are ours and ours ALONE! Celebrate the gift of womanhood today (and every day!) and celebrate the men who are our complements, just as our God designed.
All my love in Christ,
Sharon
