Yesterday I missed posting for the first time! Finishing well has always been hard for me....

There's still much to say, however, and I'm sure I'll keep writing the series even after the 31 days is done. I feel like I've barely scratched the surface. But for now, I'll leave you with the recording below. This is my Mother's Day sermon from 2016, and it was evidence of the shame God had begun to lift from my heart through a series of events. Shame tied to not being "enough" as a wife, mother, and Christian. Shame about not performing well enough or doing things the "right" Christian way. Shame about striving to live up to an impossible standard....and failing miserably. 

Maybe you can relate to that today? If so, have a listen to this message. Before you let the title scare you off and start to think, oh geez, here’s another unrealistic speech on how to live like this perfect woman, I want you to know this is NOT that sermon. I’m hoping this is the Proverbs 31 Woman as you’ve never met her before, one who exudes freedom and the blessing of abiding in the mundane, one who isn’t revered on a pedestal. Rather, she’s the woman who points us to Jesus...

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

This post is part of a series I’m writing for the month of October called, 31 Ways God Paved the Road to Urban Missions. If you’re interested in the reading the rest of the series, you can find it here. To receive these posts directly in your inbox every week, subscribe below!