HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Yesterday, I was sitting at a funeral. Once again listening to someone read the” Proverbs 31” passage. In my head I was completing each line before the Pastor. Why? Because I have them ALL memorized. Why? From years of guilt, inadequacy and a whole host of other bologna I've held myself to forever. I used to read this passage religiously, thinking, "How could I ever attain this title ?" All the while, I WAS / AM that Woman (ok, I'm lacking a bit on the virtuous stuff!). SO, as usually happens, I laid in bed mulling this over and here's what I want to tell you..

I AM NOT WAITING FOR ANOTHER FUNERAL TO HEAR THAT SOMEONE "WAS" A "PROVERB'S 31 WOMAN". While sitting in that pew yesterday, I looked around at all the women there of all ages. I looked across the way and saw my tall, beautiful sister-in-law, surrounded by her friends. I thought; "There's a Prov.31 Woman!" She's been a Wife, an Aunt, a Step-Mother, Homemaker, State Trooper..She's got a loving, kind, compassionate heart, OK she's one..next to her stood her dear friend, she's a Judge, I think she's in too!

I began to think of the women in my life who have raised children while working full-time, helping with their elderly parents..My girlfriends that have weathered the storm of divorce, pulled themselves together, started a new home for their kids and pressed on through their heartache. Women who have gone through the pain of watching a child suffer with an illness or some abnormality, who kept going while their heart was breaking for their child. So many things we've all endured and we've become shining jewels of God. Examples of Him. Loving, Long-suffering, Hopeful...Women are my Hereo's !!

And to my daughter's, their friends, and our lovely daughter-in-law,

Don't be reading that passage and worrying if you'll ever attain the status of the Proverbs 31 Gal.. You're doing it my sweets! You're hard working, loving, nurturing, creating beauty, raising kids, carpooling, T-ball watching, gardening, menu planning, food shopping, arranging trips and having adventures...(makes me tired just thinking about all of it!!)

You Are AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, PROVERBS 31 WOMEN. Don't worry about it "JUST BE.”

If you are not familiar with this passage of Scripture from the Bible, Have a little read all about YOU!!

A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman-who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.

The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of gain or need all the days of his life.

She comforts, encourages and does only good as long as there is life whithin her. She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands (to create beautiful things*)

She considers a field and buys it, then plants it with fruitful vines..

She keeps herself strong physically, mentally, and spiritually..

Her lamp never goes out, warning away fear, trouble, sorrow, doubt and distrust.

She opens her hand to the poor & those needy in body mind or spirit.

She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness (giving counsel and instruction)

Her children (neices, nephews, fam.friends..) rise and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of her and praises her saying,

"MANY DAUGHTERS HAVE DONE VIRTUOUSLY, NOBLY AND WELL BUT YOU EXCEL THEM ALL !!!"