Proverbs 31 – On Being a good Woman

When one finds a worthy wife,
her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,
has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil,
all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax
and works with loving hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor,
and extends her arms to the needy.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward for her labors,
and let her works praise her at the city gates.

A while back I had the intention (a good one) of blogging regularly on John Paul II’s On the Dignity and Vocation of Women. This man, this servant leader, understands the gift, intelligence, beauty, and complement of women in such an incredible way. I probably didn’t pursue this as life needed attention in ways that needed me (and still need me) fully present.

This was brought to mind while listening to the Sunday Mass readings. This, and so many other Scripture passages, including St. Paul’s writings, affirm the inherent dignity of women, our strength, the different-ness of our gifts, that we have an obligation to be active and present in our lives, doing the things that bring life, that give life.

In the very same way that men do.

I get it, the practice of this in all regards has left a lot to be desired. At times being downright cruel and demeaning. This doesn’t negate, or nullify the actual Scriptural teaching and the clear and present practice of Jesus Himself.

We are meant to be more. We are meant to be confident, strong, and take care of business. This is from the Beginning. We have gifts, talents, smarts that we’re meant to use.

This is one of the reasons I’ve loved my Sweetie so very much. He has always respected me. Always. WE complement each other. We bring different stuff to the party. He does his own laundry (though I’ve offered because I’m home more right now.) He cooks, we eat well. I cook, we eat. There’s much more, so very much more.

As a quilter this is the freedom to explore the craft, grow, and then encourage you to take this one in the direction of becoming who you are meant to be as a quilter. God has given us a mind, we get to use it. God gave us work,  we’re meant to do it. God gives us dignity, we’re mean to claim it.

God bless,

Teri