Proverbs 31 Woman - The Next Generation

Most of us mothers grew up with "forward thinking" mom's. You know, the burn your bra type. The "question everything" type. Before the rebellion of the 60's there was a known moral IQ which, at least on the surface of things, was followed by the majority of America. Our mothers generation was the first to completely and blatantly disregard the instruction of the previous generation. They wanted to raise their children differently, and they did. They raised their children with a sense of entitlement the previous generation hadn't known. They raised their daughters to view motherhood as something you settled for not something your hoped to attain. They taught us submission was a nasty word and to be avoided at all costs. The picture most people have when they think of a submissive wife is a dejected woman unable to think for herself. They picture a door mat, a woman with little or no self worth and perhaps even a punching bag for a legalistic abusive husband. Even in the Christian world I think the Proverbs 31 woman is portrayed with a little less backbone than she actually has. As I walk this path of submission to my husband and embrace my role as his help meet I am viewing the Biblical model in a new way.

Proverbs 31:13-28 talks about all the deeds she does. This woman is wise and industrious and strong. She isn't wimpering at the door waiting for her husband to come home and tell her how to think. She sucks it up and pushes forward. She is the "sub-contractor" in her home and builds it up by honoring her husband. Now there is a difference between building up ones home; going forward in confidence with the duties that need to be accomplished and disregarding the leadership of ones husband, however that leadership may manifest itself.

In one of my wonderful Character Sketches books the animal chosen to represent the character trait of meekness is a horse. When I think of a horse I don't think of a weak animal. I think of the strong muscles in the legs and back and the stamina. We are supposed to be "discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed" according to Titus 2. Our strength should be reigned in to the obedience of Christ as a blessing and gift to our husbands. We should be quiet...in spirit, that is. A quiet spirit does not mean a bland personality. We are the next generation of mothers. though we may be walking blindly due to a severe shortage of mentors. Let us be strong godly women ready for the work the Lord has for us in our homes, with and for our husbands and children. Let us roll up our sleeves and strengthen our arms through good works, faith and perseverance. Let us help build up the Kingdom without being sorry for our strength. Let us embrace that quiet spirit with joy. Let us embrace our position as nurturer and lover and teacher. Embracing our role with joy is not a sign of weakness...it takes great strength.