As we began to see last week, some of the rewards of being a virtuous woman are shared with us towards the end of Proverbs 31. What wonderful praise is given to her in verse twenty-nine: “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.”
The Virtuous Woman is an Example.
How desperately we need Godly women whom we can hold up before our daughters as heroines! While I cherish the stories of Susannah Wesley, Fanny Crosby and Amy Carmichael, and read their biographies aloud to my girls, I desire to be able to point to a real, live, in-the-flesh person and say, “There’s a Godly lady after whom you can pattern your behavior.”
I realize that we’re all human and have our faults. There’s no perfect example except for the Lord Jesus Himself. But a woman who has a strong relationship with Him and is seeking to walk in His paths can be a light for our young ladies to follow.
The world certainly has its share of females who want our daughters to follow them. I yearn to show my girls that a Christian lady who is filled with the Holy Spirit has so much more to offer than the temporary, shallow beauty of many actresses or pop stars.
This virtuous woman sets the bar extremely high; it may take years of prayer, Bible study and growing in faith before we can measure up to her in any way. Yet my prayer today is that I can be one whom my daughters and other girls could seek to emulate – not because of what I am, but because of who He is and what He can do in a life that is dedicated to Him. Further, may God point me to virtuous women whom are worthy examples for my children as well as myself.
Is there a Godly woman who’s had a special influence on you or who’s been an example in your life? How do you find ladies that can be the same for your children?
What a wonderful post.
I've been blessed with many ladies in my life that have show me great examples of righteousness..
Raising two beautiful girls myself.. who are now 17 and 19, I know the pressure and or fear that can fall upon a mom whose prayers are that their girls follow after God. I am truly blessed with two AMAZING God's girls.. and I give God all the glory for that.
Have a wonderful day!
Not So Perfect Housewife,
It's so wonderful to hear from a mom who has been blessed with daughters who are choosing to follow God! May they continue to bring glory to Him and encouragement to you!
This is a great post, Tracey… And you are right, it is hard to find Godly women to point our daughters to as an example. I was trying to think of one I could cite as an example, and every woman I thought of has something that I would NOT want my daughter to emulate. 🙁 I would not even want my daughter to emulate myself because I know my faults and I would hate her to copy those faults! 🙁 My husband says I am too tough on myself, but my example from the Bible is SO perfect and wonderful, and I know I don't (and maybe could never) match up to her!! I love the Proverbs 31 woman and I constantly strive to be like her, but I often wonder if it is even *possible* to be her!
I just pray that my daughter is able to emulate all the good qualities of the women in her life!
I guess I should keep remembering that with God all things are possible, and perhaps my daughter can turn out wonderfully DESPITE everything!
Clara,
The fact that you have a heart for God and a desire for your children to follow in His footsteps means that you are certainly moving in the direction of being a virtuous woman! The task of rearing our children for God – and growing in Christ ourselves – does seem overwhelming at times, but as you said, with God all things are possible. Relying on Him and acting on the principles He teaches us in His Word will be one of the greatest, living examples our children can see.
Yes, you're doing a good job, Mom! 😉
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Tracey. I agree, sometimes raising children and growing in Christ ourselves does seem horribly overwhelming. I really appreciate your encouraging words.
The Lord bless you.
What a wonderful post that echos thoughts I've had while trying to raise my girls. I was fortunate to be surrounded by Goldy women in my home church, and I pray that as my girls get older they are blessed by women in our church!
Aurie,
I also was privileged to grow up in a wonderful church with Sunday School teachers, AWANA leaders and others who were Godly influences. The church we attend should certainly be a place where we can find women who are living virtuously.