Leaving a Proverbs 31 Legacy

I don’t know about you, but when I read Proverbs 31, I am often overwhelmed by this superwoman’s abilities. I can’t sew; I don’t have a green thumb; I am not a business woman. I tend to worry about the future, not laugh about it.

A few days ago, I attended the funeral of a precious woman who truly leaves behind a legacy. I was struck by how her family and friends described her. She was a gentle woman with a servant’s heart. As her son-in-law spoke of her love for quilting and gardening, I was reminded of Proverbs 31. Much like the woman described in Proverbs, this dear woman made sure her family was clothed, that they were warm, and fed. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

 Wow! What a testimony she lived. Recently a girl I mentor asked me to teach her how to be a godly wife. I was really surprised, and wondered what I have to teach her. As I’ve pondered Mrs. Thomas’s life, I have realized that being a godly woman has less to do with works, and more to do with lifestyle. Do I exude grace and mercy to the people in my life? Am I quick to forgive or do I hold onto grudges? Do I face confrontation with a gentle and quiet spirit or am I quick to lash out in defense?

I have a lot to learn, and I pray that God will help me to live in such a way that my family sees Christ in me. Mrs. Thomas leaves behind such a legacy because of her faith in Christ. He gives us what we need to live for him.

I may never be able to do all that the woman described in Proverbs achieved, but I can strive to live a life that reflects a Christ-like attitude, and I can do my best to care for and love my family.

I thank God for his sufficiency – “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). I pray that we will learn to walk in his strength and power, and not in our own. As Paul said, may I die to self and live for Christ more each day.