It's been missing for a while now. Hidden away in a box. Stuffed between birthday party supplies and Halloween costumes. Truth be told I didn't even know it was missing until I found it.
But last week I found it. My "Super Mom" cape boldly stating Proverbs 31 "A Wife of Noble Character"*! What did I ever do without it? Did I really believe I could trick everyone into thinking I could do it all - buy and sell land, make clothes, heck shear the sheep to make the wool to make the clothes to keep my children warm, tend the land, cook the food, teach the kids, please the husband? Now with my trusty cape the whole world knows that I am a super hero ... I'm going public, the secret is out. Watch out world, I'm unleashing the super powers ...
OK - there is no secret. My cape is useless (albeit very cute and definitely demanding of the attention of both my 5 year old boy and my 36 year old "boy"). But read the passage:
*10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
So - what do you think? Is that passage empowering or demeaning (expecting too much)?, is it a goal to aspire to every day or aspirations for different seasons in a woman's life?, is it realistic or unattainable? Many years ago my dear friend Rachel made me a large cross stitching of the Proverbs 31 passage. It's beautiful. I've had it hanging in different rooms in different homes. At times in my life it has elicited frustration and anger from me. At other times it has been an inspiration. Now, it hangs in the laundry room. Ironically my husband does 100% of the laundry around our house. Hmmm....
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
So - what do you think? Is that passage empowering or demeaning (expecting too much)?, is it a goal to aspire to every day or aspirations for different seasons in a woman's life?, is it realistic or unattainable? Many years ago my dear friend Rachel made me a large cross stitching of the Proverbs 31 passage. It's beautiful. I've had it hanging in different rooms in different homes. At times in my life it has elicited frustration and anger from me. At other times it has been an inspiration. Now, it hangs in the laundry room. Ironically my husband does 100% of the laundry around our house. Hmmm....
The truth is - it is the word of God. It is scripture. It is a beautiful picture of the strength, power and responsibility of women. I wonder what a 2009 rewrite of Proverbs 31 would be. I bet it's out there somewhere - someone google it for me!
In the meantime I also "superheroed myself" - this is what they came up with:
1 comment:
great to read a post about you Robin - i like getting to see what goes on in your wonderful brain. (not that i don't also loooove reading about your adorable children).
I'm also sometimes frustrated and sometimes inspired by that passage. I am DEFINITELY not there yet! But i'd say you also inspire me to be that kind of woman too. Thanks!
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