May 6, 2008
Who's That Lady?
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
proverbs 31:30, NIV
Much has been written about the Proverbs 31 woman. And rightly so, as she's the kind of lady who makes you do a double take: How does this woman do it all? What is her secret? And may I have whatever she's having, please?
Like me, I'm sure you know of someone who exemplifies her many qualities as described in verses 10 through 31. For me, it's my longtime friend Kelli.
When we first met as four-year-olds, she was the teacher's daughter at a backyard Bible club. I can still remember the first time I saw her, too. Kelli was the picture of perfection with head full of curls styled just so and the prettiest sundress I had ever seen. She dutifully assisted her mother with the flannel-graph and the song boards, as the group of children followed along.
Over the years, and after Kelli's family began attending my church, we became close friends. We went through the fun, carefree elementary years together, survived adolescence and teen heartbreaks, and then forged an even stronger bond once we hit high school.
Today, although our lives are completely different, I am pleased to say that we are still friends. It is a joy to see Kelli thriving as a thirty-something mother of five beautiful children who "arise and call her blessed" (v. 28). Her husband is held in high regard (v. 23), and I know he would be the first to tell you that she is the strong and calm wind beneath his wings (v. 12, v. 28b).
She lives outside the city limits on several acres, where she has a garden and has planted beautiful flowers and vines all around her home (v. 17). She has a menagerie of animals to care for (v. 27), and her talent for making something out of nothing and experimenting with different ingredients in the kitchen is always well received (v. 15).
Kelli homeschools and also volunteers in the children's ministry at her church (v. 26). She sews lovely draperies and clothing (v. 19). She knows how to work a dollar, too, whether in negotiating sales of property (v. 16) or in seeking out incredible deals for budget-friendly family vacations (v.27).
Her neighbors and family members are the better for knowing her as she lends a hand whenever it is needed (v. 20) and always sows seeds of godly wisdom and encouragement and truth (v. 26). With the passage of youth, her inner beauty is coming to the fore as it radiates on everyone she meets (v. 30).
When I make the hour-long drive to visit my dear friend, I am always refreshed after spending time with her. And I am continually inspired as I observe her life.
Though we live in different locales and seasons of our lives and have been blessed with different talents and gifts, the Lord has shown me that I have much to learn from the character of my wonderful Proverbs 31 friend.
Intersecting Faith & Life: Looking ahead to Mother's Day, is there a woman of "noble character" who comes to your mind? Whether she is your mother or not, married or single, take time in the upcoming days to let her know that you are thankful for her life and how she is living out the qualities found in Proverbs 31.
Further Reading
proverbs 31:10-31, NIV
1 peter 3:3-4, NIV