Proverb 31:29-31 …her husband …he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who (honors and obeys) the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise…

I grew up in a home with eight people. I was the youngest and mostly forgotten. I understood my parents lacked the ability to properly care for six kids because they worked hard and long for lower wages. They never seemed to get ahead. Both my parents were married and divorced a few times and were deeply wounded people trying to survive. I knew as a child they didn’t have the skills to make life work. So early in life, I decided to figure out what would give me a better life.

I looked around for a successful and happy person I could pattern my life after. The only person I found that seemed to care and love others was a beautiful older woman who was my Sunday School Teacher. She talked about God and His love for us, how He made us in His image, and how we were His kids. Somehow I understood the source of her strength and kindness was from God. As a child, I wanted what she had. She gave herself to the words of God and became them. From that moment on, I understood the Bible, and the church was the amazing family I longed for. My life has become so good because of all the wonderful church people. And I want you to experience this wonderful, loving, and caring church family.

Over the next few months, the most wonderful, loving, and caring Woman Pastors will write devotionals about women in the Bible who overcame their struggles with the power of God. Plus, these caring pastors will podcast about the lives of Bible women so you can listen to them during your busy schedule. 

Proverb 31 tells us the characteristic of this great and giving woman. It doesn’t give us her name, only her acts of love and heart of kindness. My passion is to become this woman who deserves praise in three ways!

# 1 - I always wanted to be a mother. I wanted to show kids love, value, and kindness. Not sure my kids would say I did this perfectly, but I know I have a perfect heart to love them. 

Proverb 31: 31:26-27, 31‬ TPT‬‬ Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness as loving instruction pours from her lips. She watches over the ways of her household and meets every need they have. So go ahead and give her the credit that is due, for she has become a radiant woman, and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired at the gateways of every city!

# 2 - I wanted to be married to a man who loved God and others. A man who would lay his life down for others. I hoped to be the wife who honored and respected her husband even if he didn’t deserve it. I would obey God, who tells us to respect our husbands even when it is hard.

Proverbs‬ 31:10-31‬ MSG,‬‬ A good woman, is hard to find and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates ...she always faces tomorrow with a smile.  Charm can mislead, and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of- GOD. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!

# 3 - I wanted to give myself to serve the church family through many hours of prayer, acts of love, kindness, and positive, encouraging words. 

Proverbs‬ 31:17, 19-20‬ 31:25-26‬ NLT‬‬ She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. Her hands are busy... She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

 This might not sound like the most successful life, but I believe loving people, showing kindness, and caring tirelessly is the life Jesus lead. Just like my childhood Sunday school teacher, I am working on becoming the woman of praise by following Jesus’s teachings diligently! 

This summer will be great as we go through our summer series: Famous Women in the Bible, Who Teach Us How To Fulfill Our Purpose. 

At City Church, we have a team of women pastors who pastor women through the blog with  prayer, words of encouragement, and wisdom. You are not alone. As you read the blog and listen to the podcast, you will feel loved and cared about. We are giving you our best! I can’t wait to hear from you! Let us know how we can help you. 

We hope you can share the greatest woman in your life with us and what she imparted to you spiritually.