Photo Credit: theinspiredcafe.com

Welcome Back! I’ve missed meeting you here. It’s been quite sometime between part 12 and part 13 of this series. As this series winds down, I treasure all that I’ve learned from this noble wife. I hope you have, too.  Click here to read parts 1-12 of 14 Ways A Wise Woman Builds Her House.

Today in part 13 of 14,  let’s take a look at Proverbs 31:24-27:

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. (CEB)

Earlier this month, I had the distinct privilege to write a tribute to my great grandmother and my grandmother on the anniversary of what would have been their 119th and 94th birthdays, respectively. (See my FB Page, The Looking Glass By Kathy). Together (along with my mom), these wise women helped shape the woman I’ve become.  They mentored me both formally and informally as I watched them live life and have conversations with and about them. I’ve inherited their resilience, their determination to live well and their drive to never quit. They are my legacy.  Just like the Virtuous Woman and all the characteristics that cause her to be admired and greatly esteemed, these women represent that (and more) to me. My wise women each imparted to me something I was lacking. God used them to help shape an impressionable young girl as I grew in wisdom and in stature in the LORD.

The Virtuous Woman was industrious.  My wise women’s lives mimicked hers in many ways. I remember my grandmother working long hours as a waitress at a local restaurant to earn a living. Basically living off of a meager salary and small or no tips. In God’s economy, her salary allowed her to own a home, give to others and enjoy a life filled with adventure and travels. My great grandmother and my mom were homemakers who created environments that others flocked to. Their homes were filled with lots of love, excitement, yummy smells, memories and were both warm and welcoming. From them, I learned to have a strong work ethic and value creating an environment that would minister to my family, friends and strangers alike.

The Virtuous Woman was clothed with strength and dignity and was not afraid of the future. My great grandmother, Annabell was a strong and stately woman. Born in 1896, she’d seen and experienced hard times in her life yet her shoulders were elegantly draped in a garment of praise. (See Isaiah 61:3) She never waivered in her praise and thankfulness to God. I remember sitting on the church pew and looking up at her as she sang hymns of praise to God with her sweet calm voice. I never heard her talk about her faith but always saw her live it to the utmost.

The Virtuous Woman opened her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness was on her tongue. Like The Virtuous Woman, their testimonies stood on a firm foundation, none other than Christ Jesus himself.  Here’s what was said about my great grandmother and my grandmother in their obituaries:

GG- “She always showed her family and taught them that in the most critical judgments of themselves and especially of others, to be understanding and not to forget to look for that part which is also useful and acceptable.”

G- “She was a true friend with personal qualities of command and leadership.”

They both taught me well with their mouths and with their lives. Because of that, my life’s prayer is to #reflectChrist at all times.

The Virtuous Woman looked after her family and didn’t have a lazy bone in her. Like the Virtuous Woman, my mom looked after her family well. She made sure we had everything we needed and even some of our wants. She sacrificed so much for us.  My dad adored and cherished her. She loved and served him all the days of his life.

Watching and experiencing my great grandmother, my grandmother and my mom love and serve God and our family has truly inspired me to say, “Unless it is the LORD who builds the house, the builders’ work is pointless.” (Psalm 127:1 CEB)

A Wise Woman allows the LORD to build her house. I want the Lord to build my house, how about you?

+First Look: Read PSALM 127:1 

+Through The Looking Glass: As a Wise Woman who Builds Her House, what does this passage say to you? What tangible ways can you allow the LORD to build your house?